Pembrolizumab is used to treat certain types of lymphoma and certain types of cancers of the skin, kidney, bladder, bile duct, gallbladder, urinary tract, head and neck, liver, lung, stomach, esophagus, colon, rectum, cervix, uterus, or breast.
Pembrolizumab may be used in combination with other cancer treatments.
Pembrolizumab is often given when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, cannot be treated with surgery or radiation, or when other cancer treatments did not work or have stopped working.
Your doctor will make sure you have the correct tumor type to be treated with pembrolizumab.
Pembrolizumab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
uses
What is Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) used for?
- Breast Cancer
- Renal Cell Carcinoma
- Endometrial Carcinoma
- Malignant Melanoma
- Breast Cancer -- Male
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Neoplasia -- Estrogen Dependent
- Hodgkin's Disease
- Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
- Colorectal Cancer
- Lymphoma
- Bladder Cancer
- Solid Tumors
- Melanoma -- Metastatic
- Esophageal Carcinoma
- Gastric Cancer
- Cervical Cancer
- Head and Neck Cancer
- Hepatocellular Carcinoma
- Urothelial Carcinoma
- Merkel Cell Carcinoma
- Cholangiocarcinoma of biliary tract
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Keytruda (Pembrolizumab)?
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- an autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, lupus, or psoriasis;
- to receive or plan to receive a stem cell transplant that uses donor stem cells;
- to receive an organ or tissue transplant, including corneal transplant;
- radiation to your chest; or
- a nerve-muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis or Guillain-Barré syndrome.
May harm an unborn baby. You will need a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant. Use effective birth control while using pembrolizumab and for at least 4 months after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.
Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 4 months after your last dose.
User Reviews & Rating
Overall rating for Keytruda (Pembrolizumab)
Side Effects
What are the side effects of Keytruda (Pembrolizumab)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).
Some side effects may occur during the injection. Tell your medical caregiver if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, itchy, sweaty, or have a headache, chest tightness, back pain, trouble breathing, or swelling in your face.
Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.
Pembrolizumab causes your immune system to attack tumor cells, but it could also attack healthy organs and tissues in your body. This could lead to serious or life-threatening side effects on your lungs, liver, pancreas, kidneys, intestines, thyroid, adrenal glands, or pituitary gland, even after your treatment has ended.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- lung problems--new or worsening cough, chest pain, shortness of breath;
- intestinal problems--severe stomach pain, diarrhea, bloody or tarry stools;
- signs of organ transplant rejection--feeling sick or uneasy, with pain or swelling near your transplanted organ;
- kidney problems--swelling, urinating less, feeling tired or short of breath;
- confusion, problems with thinking or memory, balance problems, weakness, numbness or tingling, muscle cramps, irregular heart rhythm or swelling of ankles;
- liver problems--loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
- signs of a hormonal disorder--unusual headaches, vision problems, feeling light-headed or very tired, rapid heartbeats, mood or behavior changes, hoarse or deepened voice, increased hunger or thirst, increased urination, constipation, hair loss, sweating, feeling cold, muscle pain, weight gain, or weight loss; or
- low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet.
Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.
Common side effects may include:
- nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation;
- abnormal blood tests including low levels of thyroid hormone and low blood cell counts;
- fever, headache, feeling weak or tired;
- cough, feeling short of breath;
- itching, rash; or
- pain in your muscles, bones, or joints.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Can I take Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
May harm an unborn baby. You will need a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant. Use effective birth control while using pembrolizumab and for at least 4 months after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.
Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 4 months after your last dose.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Keytruda (Pembrolizumab)?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Keytruda (Pembrolizumab)?
Use Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Your doctor will perform tests to make sure pembrolizumab is the right treatment for you.
Pembrolizumab is given slowly over 30 minutes as an infusion into a vein, usually once every 3 to 6 weeks. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Your doctor will determine your treatment schedule and cycles of treatment.
After receiving an infusion, you will be watched closely to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction.
You will be given other medications to help prevent or treat serious side effects. Keep using these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.
Doses are based on weight in children and teenagers. Your child's dose may change if the child gains or loses weight.
You will need frequent medical tests, and your next dose may be delayed based on the results.
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your pembrolizumab injection.
Overdose Signs
What happens if I overdose on Keytruda (Pembrolizumab)?
In a medical setting an overdose would be treated quickly.