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Overview: Keytruda is used to treat many types of cancer. The medicine helps to turn on the body's immune system, so it can attack cancer cells. Common side effects of Keytruda include feeling tired and pain in muscles, bones, or joints. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any new or worsening symptoms, such as cough, diarrhea, severe stomach pain, or nausea.

Uses

What is Keytruda used for?

Keytruda (pembrolizumab) is commonly used to treat certain types of the following types of cancers.

How Keytruda Works for Lung Cancer

How Keytruda Works for Renal Cell Carcinoma

How Keytruda Works for Endometrial Cancer

Keytruda may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Keytruda work (mechanism of action)?

Keytruda is a type of medicine called immunotherapy. Immunotherapy works by turning on the body’s own immune system so it can attack cancer cells. 

How is Keytruda supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Keytruda

Dosage forms and strengths

Keytruda is available in an injectable form that is given by a healthcare provider.

How should I store Keytruda?

Keytruda is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Keytruda?

The most common side effects of Keytruda are listed below. Side effects may vary based on what condition is being treated, what other medicines you are taking or using, and your age. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Tiredness
  • Pain in muscles, bones, or joints 
  • Stomach pain
  • Rash or itching
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Nausea or decreased appetite
  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Low levels of thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism)

There may be other side effects of Keytruda that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Keytruda?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Keytruda are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Keytruda may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Keytruda and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Infusion Reactions. Keytruda can cause infusion reactions that can be serious and even life-threatening when it is given to you. Your infusion may need to be slowed or stopped if you have these reactions. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms when you get your infusion.

  • Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Itching, rash, or flushing
  • Fever, chills, or shaking
  • Back or neck pain

Immune System Reactions. Keytruda may cause your immune system to attack healthy tissues or organs, causing inflammation. When tissues or organs become inflamed, they may not work as well as they should. These side effects of immunotherapy can lead to serious or even life-threatening problems. You may be able to prevent these problems from getting more serious if you get medical help right away. Keep all appointments to check your blood work. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms, even if you are no longer using this medicine. 

  • Inflamed lungs (pneumonitis): Chest pain, shortness of breath, or new or worsening cough
  • Inflamed intestines (colitis): Severe stomach pain, diarrhea, blood or mucus in your stool or black, tarry stools
  • Inflamed liver (hepatitis): Severe nausea or vomiting, stomach pain on your right side, yellowish eyes or skin, dark urine (pee), or easy bleeding or bruising
  • Inflamed hormone glands (adrenal insufficiency, thyroiditis): Headache, fast or irregular heartbeat, sweating, tiredness, weight gain or loss, hair loss, changes in mood or behavior, peeing more than usual, feeling cold, increased appetite or thirst
  • Inflamed kidneys (nephritis): Peeing less than usual, bloody urine, ankle swelling, or decreased appetite
  • Skin inflammation (dermatitis): Skin rash, itching, blistering, or peeling or painful sores in your mouth, nose, throat, or genitals, fever, flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes
  • Heart or blood vessel inflammation: Chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Inflamed nerves: Weakness, numbness, or tingling in your arms or legs 
  • Inflamed muscles or joints: Pain, swelling, or stiffness in your muscles or joints
  • Inflamed eye (uveitis): Blurred or double vision, eye pain or redness, sensitivity to light, vision loss
  • Inflamed brain (encephalitis): Stiff neck, balance or memory problems, or confusion
  • Blood disorders: Low red blood cell levels (anemia), easy bruising (thrombocytopenia)

Severe Skin Reactions. Keytruda can cause severe skin reactions, called Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), that can lead to death if not treated. If you develop a rash, stop Keytruda and call your healthcare provider right away. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of SJS or TEN.

  • Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off
  • Flat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
  • Red, painful, watery eyes
  • Flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, and muscle aches

 

 

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Keytruda?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Keytruda.

  • Keytruda
  • Pembrolizumab
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Keytruda.

What should I know about Keytruda before using it?

Keytruda will be given to you by a healthcare provider through an intravenous (IV) line that goes into your vein in a hospital, clinic, or infusion center. They will store and prepare the medicine for your dose. Your healthcare provider will tell you how many treatments you will need. 

Keep all appointments to check your blood work so that your healthcare provider can check for side effects.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Keytruda?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Keytruda is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

Pregnancy. Keytruda may cause harm to an unborn baby. If you can become pregnant, you should use effective birth control during treatment and for at least four months after your last dose. You may also need a negative pregnancy test before you can use Keytruda. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you are or think you may be pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for four months after your last dose of Keytruda. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. 

How can I get more information about Keytruda?

For more information about Keytruda, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.keytruda.com or call them at 855-398-7832.

Interactions

Does Keytruda interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Keytruda and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Keytruda, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight cancer. 

Does Keytruda interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Keytruda and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Keytruda?

If you or someone else has used too much Keytruda, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Keytruda?

Keytruda is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. Your healthcare provider will make sure you are receiving Keytruda as scheduled. If you miss an appointment to get your Keytruda dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible. 

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