Keytruda side effects liver?

What liver side effects does Keytruda cause?

Keytruda can trigger immune-mediated hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that occurs when the drug activates the patient's immune system against healthy liver tissue. This occurs in roughly 0.7% to 3.3% of patients depending on the cancer type and treatment combination. Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, upper-right abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and easy bruising.

How is liver toxicity managed when patients take Keytruda?

Doctors monitor liver function through blood tests before treatment starts and during every cycle. Abnormal results prompt immediate suspension of Keytruda. Steroids such as prednisone are prescribed at 1-2 mg/kg/day to calm the immune attack. Once the values return to normal, doctors may resume Keytruda at a lower dose or permanently discontinue it if severe damage persists.

What happens if liver tests show grade 3 or 4 toxicity?

Grade 3 or 4 liver enzyme elevations require permanent discontinuation of Keytruda. Patients receive high-dose corticosteroids and sometimes additional immunosuppressants. Follow-up liver tests continue until values stabilize. In rare cases, patients develop fulminant hepatitis that requires emergency transplant evaluation.

Why do liver tests get checked so oft