KEYTRUDA
Used for Cancer
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Manufactured by Merck & Co., Inc.
*You can pay as little as $0 per fill using Drug Coupons or Patient Assistance Programs. Subject to applicability & eligibility requirements.
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KEYTRUDA Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Warnings & Dosing
What is KEYTRUDA?
KEYTRUDA is the brand name for pembrolizumab and is available as an injection for IV use.
What dosages is KEYTRUDA available in?
KEYTRUDA is available as a 100 mg/4 mL (25 mg/mL) injection for IV use.
What is KEYTRUDA used for?
KEYTRUDA is a PD-1 inhibitor and is used for the following:
- Melanoma
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
- Head and neck cancer
- Hodgkin lymphoma
- Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma
- Bladder cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Liver cancer
- Biliary tract cancer
- Renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer)
- Cervical cancer
- Endometrial carcinoma (uterine cancer)
- Triple-negative breast cancer
- Merkel cell carcinoma
- Squamous cell skin carcinoma
- Cancers with high tumor mutation burden (TMB-H), high microsatellite instability (MSI-H), or deficient mismatch repair (dMMR)
How does KEYTRUDA work?
KEYTRUDA is an immunotherapy medication that blocks the PD-1 pathway. It’s also called a PD-1 inhibitor or checkpoint inhibitor. By blocking the PD-1 pathway, KEYTRUDA helps the immune system find and recognize cancer cells again. As a result, the immune system can attack and kill the cancer cells and stop the cancer from growing.
How do I take KEYTRUDA?
KEYTRUDA is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion at a medical office or infusion center. Your dose depends on your treatment plan.
- Adults: The typical dose is either 200 mg given IV once every 3 weeks OR 400 mg given IV once every 6 weeks. Whether you take KEYTRUDA by itself or together with other anticancer therapies depends on your cancer
- Children (for certain cancers only): The dose is calculated based on body weight (kg). The typical dose is 2 mg/kg (up to a maximum of 200 mg) given IV once every 3 weeks
Is it safe for me to take KEYTRUDA?
KEYTRUDA is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.
KEYTRUDA Common Side Effects
Common side effects of KEYTRUDA:
- Higher blood sugar
- Anemia
- Higher liver enzyme levels
- Electrolyte changes in blood
- Lower white blood cells
- Tiredness
- Lower appetite
- Trouble breathing
- Cough
- Rash
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Nausea
KEYTRUDA Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with KEYTRUDA. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious immune-related side effects: rash, diarrhea, trouble breathing, chest pain, severe stomach pain, mucus or blood in stool
- Serious reaction during infusion: chills, fever, itching, fast heartbeat, trouble breathing
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on KEYTRUDA
There are no major drug interactions listed for KEYTRUDA. However, always let your physician and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking.
Who makes KEYTRUDA?
Merck & Co., Inc.
Is KEYTRUDA safe in pregnancy?
Based on its mechanism of action, KEYTRUDA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Females should have a pregnancy test before starting KEYTRUDA and use effective contraception during treatment and for 4 months after the last dose.
What to do if you missed your KEYTRUDA dose
The FDA's medical product safety reporting program for health professionals, patients and consumers.
Learn more about reporting side effectsDrug Savings Tips
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If I have federal, state or commercial insurance and none of the KEYTRUDA prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, are there any other support organisations that can help me with my co-insurance or copay?
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
Things to know
Is KEYTRUDA a form of chemotherapy?
Do you lose your hair with KEYTRUDA?
What to avoid while on KEYTRUDA?
Do you lose your hair with immunotherapy?
Is immunotherapy a last resort?
Why is KEYTRUDA so successful?
What happens after two years on KEYTRUDA?
How long does it take for KEYTRUDA to start working?
What is the success rate with KEYTRUDA?
Is KEYTRUDA a high risk medication?
How much does KEYTRUDA extend life?
How many rounds of KEYTRUDA is normal?
Why is KEYTRUDA only given for 2 years?
What foods should you avoid while taking KEYTRUDA?
Can you go into remission with KEYTRUDA?
What happens after 2 years on KEYTRUDA?
How quickly does KEYTRUDA work?
Why is KEYTRUDA so expensive?
What is the 5 year survival rate for immunotherapy?
Is KEYTRUDA worth taking?
How much does KEYTRUDA cost per year?
What is the average life expectancy with KEYTRUDA?
How sick does KEYTRUDA make you?
What is the monthly cost of KEYTRUDA?
Why do people stop taking KEYTRUDA?
What is life expectancy after immunotherapy?
Are KEYTRUDA side effects permanent?
What stage of cancer does KEYTRUDA treat?
Can Stage 4 cancer be cured with immunotherapy?
How long does a cancer patient stay on KEYTRUDA?
Do you lose hair with KEYTRUDA?
How quickly does Keytruda start working?
Can KEYTRUDA cure Stage 4 lung cancer?
How long does a KEYTRUDA infusion take?
Does KEYTRUDA weaken your immune system?
What does KEYTRUDA do to your body?
How effective is KEYTRUDA for cancer?
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