PEMBROLIZUMAB INJECTION (KEYTRUDA)

Side effect of keytruda (Pembrolizumab)

It may cause some unwanted effect. Although all of these side effects may not occur, if they occur it requires immediate medical attention. 

Common side effect 

• Blurred vision 

• Skin rash 

• Vomiting 

• Sore throat 

• Constipation 

• Bloating or swelling in the face, arms, legs, and feet.

• Muscle cramps 

• Pale skin 

• Runny or stuffy nose 

• Unusual bleeding 

• Unusual weight gain or loss

• Change in eyesight 

• Fever 

• Yellow eyes or skin 

• Severe or sudden headache

• Diarrhea

• Sweating  

• Drooping eyelids 

• Nosebleeds 

• Redness of eye 

• Indigestion 

• Scaly skin 

• Loss of appetite 

• Dark urine 

• Drowsiness 

NOTE:- Immediately contact your doctor if any of these side effects occur. 

Usage of keytruda (Pembrolizumab)

Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) is used to treat both small cell lung cancer and non-small cell cancer. This type of lung cancer is the most common. It is approved to treat melanoma that can’t be removed surgically. 

The drug is used to prevent skin cancer from coming back. It is also approved to treat certain types of bladder cancer. For this use, keytruda is given to people who have chosen not to have surgery for their cancer. 

Warnings and precautions 

Before taking kedura talk to your doctor about your medical history. It may not be right for you in certain medical conditions.

• It may cause some severe effect on your immune system 

• If you’ve had an allogeneic stem transplant, consult your doctor about keytruda.

• Using keytruda with certain other drugs may increase the risk of death. 

• It is not safe for pregnant woman, as it may cause harm to the unborn baby  

• Breastfeeding is not recommended for women who are taking keytruda. 

• It may cause some allergic reaction, please consult your doctor. 

Cautionary labels 

• May harm the immune system 

• Do not drive after taking this medication 

• Not safe for pregnant women 

• Do not take this medication without doctor advice 

 Q1. What is the use of keytruda?

 Ans. Pemrulizumab blocks the PD-1 (type of protein) receptor, preventing binding and activation of PD-L1 and PD-L2. This process results in the activation of T-cell mediated immune responses in contrast to tumor cells.

Q2. How does this medication work?

Ans. keytruda is a type of immunotherapy that works by blocking the PD-1 pathway and to help prevent cancer cells from hiding. Keytruda helps the immune system to detect and fight cancer. 

Q3. What are the side effects of keytruda? 

Ans. common side effects are vomiting, skin rash, nausea, blurred vision, dizziness, constipation, sore throat, pale skin, muscle cramps etc. 

Q4.In what  strengths is it available? 

Ans. It is available in 100mg/4ml solution in a single dose vial. 

Q5. Is keytruda an immunotherapy? 

Ans. keytruda is an immunotherapy medicine that may treat certain cancers by working with your immune system. Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses your own immune system to help detect and fight cancer. 

Q6. How long does it take to effect? 

Ans. It usually takes 30 minutes after you have it. 

Q7.What are the signs that show keytruda is working?

Ans. It is measured by a shrinking or stable tumor. During and after treatment, the patient will have a regular checkup with his or her physician. 

Q8.When should patients notify their physician? 

Ans. If you have symptoms of lung problem(shortness of breath, chest pain), kidney problem and other signs of problem with other organs like:- rash, change in eyesight, severe muscle weakness. 

Q9. How will I receive keytruda? 

Ans. Your doctor will give you an injection into your vein. It is given every 3 weeks. Your doctor will decide how many treatments you need. 

Q10. How are patients taking keytruda monitored? 

Ans. Patients receiving keytruda are monitored with blood work and other laboratory tests to check the adverse reaction on the immune system like:- changes in kidney and thyroid function, hepatitis, colitis and pneumonitis. 

Q11. Can I take this medicine during pregnancy?

Ans.  This medication is not recommended for pregnant womens, because it may harm the unborn baby. 

Q12.  Can this medicine be taken during breast feeding? 

Ans It is unsafe during breastfeeding, that’s why it is not recommended for breastfeeding womens. 

Q13. What if I miss a dose? 

Ans. Contact your doctor immediately, in case you miss a dose. 

Q14. What should I avoid while receiving a keytruda?

Ans.  It can pass into body fluids(urine, vomits). For 48 hours after taking a dose, avoid allowing your body fluid to come in contact with your hand or other surfaces.