Keytruda is a medication used to treat various types of cancer, including melanoma, lung cancer, and head and neck cancer. While it is an effective treatment option, it can also cause side effects. According to the Keytruda website [2], the most common side effects of Keytruda include fatigue, cough, nausea, rash, decreased appetite, constipation, joint pain, and diarrhea. Less common side effects include shortness of breath, fever, and abdominal pain. However, it is important to note that everyone reacts differently to medication, and some people may experience more severe or different side effects than others.
According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology [3], the incidence of severe side effects from Keytruda is relatively low. The study found that less than 10% of patients experienced severe side effects, and only 2% of patients discontinued treatment due to side effects. However, it is important to note that this study only included patients with advanced melanoma, and the results may not be applicable to patients with other types of cancer.
Another source, Drug Patent Watch [1], provides information on the frequency of reported side effects of Keytruda. According to their data, the most commonly reported side effects of Keytruda are fatigue, diarrhea, and nausea. However, the frequency of these side effects is not provided.
In summary, while Keytruda can cause side effects, the incidence of severe side effects is relatively low. The most common side effects include fatigue, cough, nausea, rash, decreased appetite, constipation, joint pain, and diarrhea. However, it is important to note that everyone reacts differently to medication, and some people may experience more severe or different side effects than others. It is recommended that patients discuss any concerns or side effects with their healthcare provider.
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/biologics/tradename/KEYTRUDA
[2] https://www.keytruda.com/side-effects/
[3] https://ascopubs.org/doi/abs/10.1200/JCO.2017.75.3077