Opdivo (generic name: Nivolumab) is one of the most widely prescribed immunotherapy drugs for treating cancers such as lung cancer, melanoma, kidney cancer, and Hodgkin lymphoma. With its growing use in 2025, many patients and families in the United States are asking the same question: How much does Opdivo really cost per month, and what are the options to reduce this expense?
This article provides the latest Opdivo price data in 2025, explains how insurance affects costs, highlights available patient assistance programs, and compares Opdivo’s cost with other leading immunotherapy drugs.
1. Average Cost of Opdivo in the USA (2025)
The cost of Opdivo depends on dosage, treatment frequency, and insurance coverage.
| Treatment Type | Estimated Monthly Cost (Without Insurance) | With Insurance (Average Co-Pay) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard dosage (240 mg every 2 weeks) | $12,000 – $14,500 | $100 – $500 |
| High dosage (480 mg every 4 weeks) | $22,000 – $26,000 | $200 – $800 |
| Combination therapy (Opdivo + Yervoy) | $30,000 – $35,000 | $250 – $1,200 |
⚠️ Note: These are 2025 estimates based on hospital billing data and insurance claims.
2. Why Is Opdivo So Expensive?
Opdivo is a biologic immunotherapy that blocks the PD-1 pathway, helping the immune system fight cancer. Manufacturing biologics is far more complex than making standard chemotherapy drugs, leading to high production costs. In addition, research, clinical trials, and FDA approval contribute significantly to pricing.
3. Insurance Coverage for Opdivo in 2025
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Medicare & Medicaid: Cover Opdivo for FDA-approved cancer types, but out-of-pocket costs vary depending on supplemental insurance.
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Private Insurance: Most major insurers cover Opdivo, but prior authorization is usually required.
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Uninsured Patients: Face the highest costs but can apply for assistance programs.
💡 Tip: Always check your policy’s formulary and ask your oncologist to submit supporting documents for coverage.
4. Patient Assistance Programs (2025 Updates)
Bristol Myers Squibb, the manufacturer of Opdivo, offers financial assistance:
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Opdivo Patient Assistance Foundation → Provides free medication to eligible uninsured or underinsured patients.
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Co-Pay Assistance Program → Helps reduce monthly co-pays for insured patients.
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Non-Profit Support (e.g., CancerCare, HealthWell Foundation) → Additional grants available for treatment costs.
📌 More info: BMS Access Support – Official Website
5. Opdivo vs Other Immunotherapy Costs
| Drug (2025) | Monthly Cost (No Insurance) | CPC Value (AdSense/Ads) |
|---|---|---|
| Opdivo (Nivolumab) | $12,000 – $26,000 | $$$ High |
| Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) | $11,500 – $22,000 | $$$ High |
| Yervoy (Ipilimumab) | $25,000 – $35,000 | $$$ Very High |
| Tecentriq (Atezolizumab) | $10,000 – $20,000 | $$ Medium-High |
6. Latest News (2025)
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The FDA recently expanded Opdivo approval for use in certain early-stage lung cancer cases.
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Clinical trials continue to explore new Opdivo combinations with other immunotherapies, which may impact future costs.
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Policymakers are debating drug pricing reforms, which could lower biologic cancer drug costs in the coming years.
FAQs
Q1: How much does Opdivo cost per infusion?
👉 Around $6,000 – $12,000 per infusion before insurance.
Q2: Can I get Opdivo for free?
👉 Eligible patients may qualify through Bristol Myers Squibb’s assistance program.
Q3: Does Medicare cover Opdivo in 2025?
👉 Yes, but you may still have deductibles and co-payments.
Q4: Is Opdivo cheaper outside the USA?
👉 In some countries, costs are 50–70% lower due to government-regulated drug pricing.
Conclusion
Opdivo remains one of the most expensive cancer treatments in the USA in 2025, with monthly costs reaching $12,000–$26,000 before insurance. However, patients can significantly reduce expenses with insurance coverage and assistance programs.
If you or a loved one is considering Opdivo, discuss treatment plans, financial options, and patient support resources with your oncologist.
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🔹 Extended FAQs About Opdivo Cost in the USA (2025)
Q1: How much does Opdivo cost per month in 2025?
👉 Without insurance, Opdivo costs $12,000 – $26,000 monthly. With insurance or assistance, costs may drop to $100 – $800 per month.
🔗 BMS Access Support – Official Patient Assistance
Q2: How many Opdivo treatments do I need?
👉 The dosage depends on the cancer type and stage. Most patients receive 240 mg every 2 weeks or 480 mg every 4 weeks. Your oncologist decides the exact schedule.
🔗 FDA Opdivo Prescribing Information
Q3: Does Medicare cover Opdivo in 2025?
👉 Yes, Medicare Part B usually covers cancer immunotherapy infusions like Opdivo, but patients may still have deductibles and coinsurance.
🔗 Medicare Coverage Database
Q4: Can I combine Opdivo with Yervoy (Ipilimumab)?
👉 Yes. The Opdivo + Yervoy combination is FDA-approved for certain cancers, but the monthly cost is higher ($30,000 – $35,000 without insurance).
🔗 NCCN Guidelines for Patients – Immunotherapy
Q5: Is financial help available for uninsured patients?
👉 Yes. Bristol Myers Squibb’s Patient Assistance Foundation may provide free Opdivo if you meet eligibility requirements. Non-profits like CancerCare and the HealthWell Foundation also offer grants.
🔗 CancerCare – Financial Assistance
🔗 HealthWell Foundation
Q6: Is Opdivo cheaper in other countries?
👉 Yes. For example, Opdivo may cost 40–70% less in Europe or Canada because of government-regulated pricing. However, importing medicine across borders can be restricted and risky.
🔗 Cancer Drugs Pricing Report – WHO
Q7: What side effects should I expect with Opdivo?
👉 Common side effects include fatigue, rash, and cough. Serious but rare effects include immune-related organ damage. Always report side effects to your doctor.
🔗 Mayo Clinic – Nivolumab Information
Q8: Are there cheaper alternatives to Opdivo?
👉 Other PD-1 inhibitors like Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) may have slightly lower costs depending on insurance. Clinical trials may also provide free access to new therapies.
🔗 ClinicalTrials.gov – Nivolumab Studies
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