What Is Yervoy?

Yervoy is the brand name for ipilimumab, a prescription immunotherapy drug made by Bristol Myers Squibb. It belongs to a class of medications called immune checkpoint inhibitors. Specifically, Yervoy targets a protein called CTLA-4, which normally acts as a brake on your immune system.

By blocking CTLA-4, Yervoy releases that brake and allows your immune system's T-cells to become more active against cancer cells. It was one of the first checkpoint inhibitors approved by the FDA and represented a major breakthrough in cancer treatment.

For a deeper dive into the science, see our guide on how Yervoy works.

What Cancers Does Yervoy Treat?

Yervoy is FDA-approved for several types of cancer, either as a standalone treatment or in combination with nivolumab (Opdivo), another checkpoint inhibitor. Here are its approved uses:

Melanoma

• Unresectable or metastatic melanoma — For adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older, as monotherapy or in combination with nivolumab.
• Adjuvant melanoma treatment — After surgery for melanoma that has spread to lymph nodes, to reduce the risk of recurrence (adults only).

Kidney Cancer

• Advanced renal cell carcinoma — First-line treatment in combination with nivolumab for patients with intermediate or poor-risk disease.

Colorectal Cancer

• MSI-H or dMMR metastatic colorectal cancer — In combination with nivolumab, for patients 12 years and older whose cancer has specific genetic markers (microsatellite instability-high or mismatch repair deficient).

Liver Cancer

• Hepatocellular carcinoma — In combination with nivolumab, for patients who have previously been treated with sorafenib.

Lung Cancer

• Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) — First-line treatment in combination with nivolumab for tumors expressing PD-L1 (≥1%), with no EGFR or ALK mutations.

Mesothelioma

• Malignant pleural mesothelioma — First-line treatment in combination with nivolumab.

Esophageal Cancer

• Advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma — First-line treatment in combination with nivolumab.

How Is Yervoy Given?

Yervoy is administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion. You cannot take it as a pill or inject it at home. Here's what to expect:

• Setting: Hospital outpatient department, cancer center, or infusion center.
• Infusion time: 30 to 90 minutes per session.
• Preparation: Yervoy is diluted with saline or dextrose solution before being infused into your vein.
• Monitoring: Healthcare staff will monitor you during and after the infusion for any reactions.

Yervoy Dosage

The dose of Yervoy depends on which cancer is being treated and whether it's used alone or with nivolumab:

Melanoma (Monotherapy)

• 3 mg/kg administered every 3 weeks for a total of 4 doses

Combination with Nivolumab (Various Cancers)

• Yervoy 1 mg/kg every 6 weeks (some regimens) or 3 mg/kg every 3 weeks for 4 doses, followed by nivolumab maintenance
• The exact regimen depends on the specific cancer type and treatment protocol

Your oncologist will determine the right dose based on your weight, the type of cancer, and your overall health. Doses may be delayed or discontinued if you develop significant side effects.

What Are the Main Side Effects?

Because Yervoy activates the immune system, it can cause immune-mediated side effects — situations where your immune system attacks healthy tissue. Common side effects include fatigue, diarrhea, itching, rash, and nausea.

Serious side effects include immune-mediated colitis, hepatitis, skin reactions, endocrine disorders, pneumonitis, nephritis, and myocarditis. Yervoy carries a boxed warning about these risks.

Read our detailed guide on Yervoy side effects to learn what to watch for and when to seek help.

Important Safety Information

• Pregnancy: Yervoy may cause harm to an unborn baby. Women who could become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment.
• Autoimmune conditions: If you have an autoimmune disease, tell your doctor before starting Yervoy. The drug may worsen autoimmune conditions.
• Vaccinations: Avoid live vaccines while receiving Yervoy.
• Drug interactions: Certain medications, including systemic corticosteroids and other immunosuppressants, may affect how well Yervoy works. See our guide on Yervoy drug interactions.
• Pediatric use: Approved for patients 12 years and older for melanoma and MSI-H/dMMR colorectal cancer.

How Much Does Yervoy Cost?

Yervoy is one of the more expensive cancer treatments available:

• A 50 mg vial costs approximately $7,308
• A 200 mg vial costs approximately $35,387
• A full 4-dose melanoma treatment course can exceed $120,000 to $150,000

Most patients don't pay this out of pocket. Yervoy is typically covered by Medicare Part B and commercial insurance as a physician-administered drug. Prior authorization is usually required.

Bristol Myers Squibb offers a co-pay assistance program for commercially insured patients and a patient assistance foundation for uninsured patients. Learn more in our guide to saving money on Yervoy.

Is There a Generic Version of Yervoy?

As of 2026, there is no generic or biosimilar version of Yervoy approved in the United States. The core patent expired in March 2025, and biosimilar development is underway (Sandoz/Henlius), but no biosimilar has reached the market yet. When one does become available, it could significantly reduce costs.

How to Get Started with Yervoy

If you think Yervoy might be right for you, here's what to do:

1. Talk to your oncologist about whether Yervoy is appropriate for your cancer type and stage.
2. Find a qualified prescriber if you don't already have one.
3. Work with your insurance company to get prior authorization.
4. Ask about financial assistance programs.
5. Prepare for treatment by learning about potential side effects and what to report to your doctor.

Yervoy has given many cancer patients more time and better outcomes. Being informed about how it works and what to expect can help you get the most from your treatment.