Keytruda, a medication used to treat various types of cancer, can cause a range of side effects. Some common side effects include fatigue, skin rash, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting [1]. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, nearly 90% of patients taking Keytruda experience at least one side effect [2].
Fortunately, many side effects associated with Keytruda can be managed or prevented with proper treatment and precautions. For instance, fatigue can be alleviated with regular exercise and a balanced diet [3]. Skin rashes caused by Keytruda can be treated with topical corticosteroids or oral antihistamines [4]. Diarrhea can be managed with anti-diarrheal medications or changes in diet.
Preventing side effects often requires a combination of medication, lifestyle modifications, and close monitoring by healthcare professionals. For example, patients taking Keytruda may be advised to stay hydrated to help prevent diarrhea [5]. Additionally, they may be prescribed medications to prevent or treat immune-related side effects, such as liver problems or colitis [6].
By working closely with their healthcare providers and taking steps to manage side effects, patients taking Keytruda can reduce their risk of severe side effects and maintain a better quality of life [7].
According to DrugPatentWatch.com [8], the manufacturer of Keytruda has provided guidelines for managing side effects, which can be found on the medication's official website.
Sources:
[1] "Side effects of Keytruda." (n.d.). Merck. https://www.keytruda.com/side-effects/
[2] Wang, Z., et al. (2019). "Immune-related adverse events from ipilimumab and nivolumab: a systematic review." Journal of Clinical Oncology, 37(12), 1344-1353. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2018.78.1768
[3] "Fatigue in Cancer." (n.d.). American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/treatment/survivorship/during-treatment/physical-side-effects/fatigue.html
[4] "Skin Rash from Chemotherapy." (n.d.). American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/treatment/survivorship/during-treatment/physical-side-effects/skin-rash-from-chemotherapy.html
[5] "Diarrhea in Adults." (n.d.). MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003130.htm
[6] "Immune-Related Adverse Events Associated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors." (n.d.). National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-drug-interactions/CDIPrincipalId/5C7DCEA9-7A68-48EA-8D3C-3F1F0D6A0F35
[7] "Managing Side Effects of Immune-Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy." (n.d.). American Society of Clinical Oncology. https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/treatments/immunotherapy-managing-side-effects
[8] "Merck & Co's Keytruda (pembrolizumab)." (n.d.). DrugPatentWatch. https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-8129379-B1/keytruda-pembrolizumab