| Brand Name: |
Keytruda |
| Generic Name: |
Pembrolizumab |
| Form: |
Vial |
| Manufacturer: |
MSD |
*Please note: This product can only be shipped using our EMS courier option.
What is Keytruda?
Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) is used to treat lung cancer or skin cancer where other treatments or surgery are unable to help.
For Lung Cancer: Pembrolizumab is indicated for treatment of lung cancer when the cancer has spread AND it tests positive for PD-L1 AND platinum-containing chemotherapy has been tried and failed AND if the tumor has EGFR or ALK gene and you have tried an EGFR or ALK inhibitor medicine without success.
For Skin Cancer: Pembrolizumab is indicated for treatment of skin cancer when the melanoma has spread and cannot be surgically removed AND ipilimumab treatment is unsuccessful AND if the tumor has an abnormal BRAF gene and you have tried a BRAF inhibitor medicine.
Adverse effects
The most common side effects of Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) are tiredness, coughing, nausea, itchiness, rash, shortness of breath, reduce appetite, constipation or diarrhea, and joint pain. These are usually mild and will pass.
Damage to other organs can cause more serious side effects. If you notice any of the following, contact your doctor immediately:
- chest pain
- frequent bowel movements
- stools that are black, tarry, sticky, or have blood or mucus
- stomach pain or tenderness
- yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice)
- bleeding or bruising more easily that usual
- rapid or erratic heartbeat
- weight loss or weight gain
- increased sweat rate
- increased thirst
- frequent urination
- change in urine color
- changes or problems with eyesight
- severe or persistent muscle or joint pain
- signs of fever (chills, shaking, dizziness)
Warnings
Keytruda triggers the immune system to fight cancer cells. Sometimes the immune system will also attack healthy organs and tissues. This can cause problems in the lungs, intestine, liver, kidney, hormone gland or other organs.
Keytruda is not recommended if you have Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis or lupus.
If you have had an organ transplant, make sure your doctor is aware of this before beginning treatment.
Don't take Keytruda while pregnant and use contraception when taking Keytruda and immediately afterwards. Keytruda may be passed to nursing infants through breast milk. |
