Keytruda

Product Information:

Keytruda is a prescription medication used to treat certain types of cancer. It is an immunotherapy drug called a PD-1 inhibitor. It works by helping your immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.

Common cancers treated with Keytruda:

• Melanoma (skin cancer)

• Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

• Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

• Classical Hodgkin lymphoma

• Urothelial carcinoma (bladder cancer)

• Certain cancers with high microsatellite instability (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR)

How to Use Keytruda:

• Form: Intravenous (IV) infusion

• Administration: Given by a healthcare professional, usually in a clinic or hospital.

• Schedule: Typically every 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the cancer type and your doctor’s instructions.

• Duration: Treatment may continue until disease progression, unacceptable side effects, or as recommended by your doctor.

Warnings:

Keytruda can cause your immune system to attack normal organs, leading to serious and sometimes fatal side effects. These may affect the:

• Lungs (pneumonitis)

• Colon (colitis)

• Liver (hepatitis)

• Endocrine glands (thyroid, pituitary, adrenal)

• Kidneys (nephritis)

• Skin

Other warnings:

• Infections: May weaken your immune system or mask infections.

• Pregnancy: Not recommended; may harm the unborn baby.

• Live vaccines: Should generally be avoided during treatment.

• Allergic reactions: Rare but serious infusion reactions can occur.

Side Effects:

• Fatigue

• Rash or itching

• Diarrhea

• Nausea

• Decreased appetite

• Joint or muscle pain

• Cough or shortness of breath

Serious side effects (require immediate medical attention):

• Severe diarrhea or blood in stool

• Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)

• Severe cough or trouble breathing

• Swelling of face, lips, or throat

• Persistent vomiting or abdominal pain

Monitoring:

Doctors will usually monitor:

• Liver and kidney function

• Thyroid and hormone levels

• Signs of immune-related inflammation

• Complete blood counts