Nivolumab (Opdivo) and Ketamine Therapy | Tovani Health
Opdivo (Nivolumab) (also: Opdualag) — PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor (cancer immunotherapy)
Verdict at Tovani Health
Fully compatible; same checkpoint-inhibitor framework as pembrolizumab.
Nivolumab and ketamine have no clinically significant interaction. Same checkpoint-inhibitor class as pembrolizumab; used for melanoma, renal cell, lung, and other cancers. Often combined with ipilimumab (CTLA-4 inhibitor) for melanoma. Immune-related adverse events are intrinsic and require their own monitoring.
If you take Opdivo regularly and are considering at-home ketamine therapy, the combination is generally safe at therapeutic doses. This page covers the brief pharmacologic context and what we do at intake.
How Opdivo interacts with ketamine
Nivolumab is a humanized mAb blocking PD-1. IV infusion every 2-4 weeks depending on regimen. No CYP interactions with ketamine.
What we do at intake
Continue as scheduled. Tell us about immune-related side effects, especially any thyroid or pituitary changes since those can mimic mood symptoms.
Bottom line
Nivolumab and ketamine have no clinically significant interaction. Same checkpoint-inhibitor class as pembrolizumab; used for melanoma, renal cell, lung, and other cancers. Often combined with ipilimumab (CTLA-4 inhibitor) for melanoma. Immune-related adverse events are intrinsic and require their own monitoring.
Ready to find out if at-home ketamine fits your situation?
We’ll note that you’re on Opdivo (Nivolumab) at intake. The eligibility check takes 5 minutes and gives you an honest answer about whether at-home ketamine fits your specific situation.
FL and NJ residents only. Benjamin Soffer, DO — Tovani Health.
Clinically reviewed
Reviewed by Benjamin Soffer, DO on May 22, 2026. Dr. Soffer is a board-certified physician (American Board of Internal Medicine) licensed in Florida and New Jersey, prescribing at-home ketamine therapy through Tovani Health.
This page is general information about how this medication interacts with at-home ketamine therapy at Tovani Health. It is not a substitute for medical advice from your prescribing physician about your specific situation. Always discuss medication changes with the doctor who prescribed them.