Pembrolizumab side effects?

What are the common side effects of pembrolizumab?

Pembrolizumab is an immunotherapy medication that has been approved for various types of cancer, including melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, head and neck cancer, and others. While it is effective in treating these cancers, it can also cause side effects in some patients [1].

According to the FDA, common side effects of pembrolizumab include:

* Fatigue (54%)
* Diarrhea (37%)
* Nausea (34%)
* Rash (28%)
* Fever (27%)
* Itching (25%)
* Muscle or bone pain (24%)
* Increased liver enzymes (22%)
* Decreased appetite (21%)

More serious side effects: What to watch out for?

Less common but more serious side effects of pembrolizumab include [2]:

* Colitis (inflammation of the large intestine)
* Pneumonitis (lung inflammation)
* Hepatitis (liver inflammation)
* Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
* Skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Interactions with other medications: What's at risk?

Pembrolizumab can interact with other medications, including those used to treat infections or to prevent blood clots. Patients who are taking medications that suppress the immune system may need to adjust their medication regimen while taking pembrolizumab [3].

Long-term side effects: What to expect?

Some side effects of pembrolizumab may persist even after treatment has stopped. Patients may experience lingering fatigue, muscle weakness, and joint pain.

Managing side effects: What options are available?

Patients can manage side effects of pembrolizumab with medications, such as anti-diarrheal medications to relieve diarrhea, and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation [4].

References

[1] National Cancer Institute. (2021). Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) for Early Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/publications/drugsums/nccncdrugs/pembrolizumab-keytruda.pdf

[2] FDA. (2021). Keytruda (pembrolizumab) label. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/125514s106lbl.pdf

[3] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) patent information. Retrieved from https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/pharmacode/125514

[4] National Cancer Institute. (2021). Managing side effects. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects