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Immunotherapy Weight Gain

Oljamana
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I have had two months of Nivolumab treatment for metastaic melanoma and have another 10 months to go.  I have put on nearly 17 pounds of weight in the two months ive been on it.  I know that the weight gain is making my knee pain a lot worse as I have been up and down in weight for years (however I have never put this much weight on is this time).  I have used Monjaro to control my weight previous to my diagnoses and would like to go back on it.  I understand that my weight is the least of my problems but mentally I am struggling with the increase in weight.  

I have mapped and logged my food and I have a gym at home that I can do weights if I go back on it as I realise Monjaro targets muscles mass. 

Does anyone know of someone that has been on Nivolumab and Monjaro?

  • Hi there Oljamana and thanks for the post

    I am sorry to hear you are needing to have Nivolumab and have noticed a significant weight gain in such a short time.

    Please do speak with your doctor about this so they can properly assess you. As Nivolumab can affect the thyroid function and fluctuating hormone levels this can have an impact on weight. Also if patients are prescribed steroids alongside immunotherapy this also can cause weight gain.

    It is important to discuss taking any weight loss medications ( or any other supplements) with your specialist doctor before doing so. Drug interactions can sometimes occur between cancer drugs and other medications and this could cause more harm than good.

    From what we are aware at the moment weight loss drugs aren't usually advised for patients undergoing active cancer treatment. This is because of the concern over worse side effects and lack of research in this group of patients at this point in time.

    Do speak with your hospital team when you can so they can assess you and come up with a plan moving forward.

    If you have more questions do get back in touch or if you prefer give us a call on 0808 800 4040 Monday- Friday 9-5.

    Best wishes

    Naomi

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