Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) for Lung Cancer

Overview
Keytruda is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat metastatic small cell lung cancer and various non-small cell lung cancers. Keytruda is also referred to by its drug name, pembrolizumab.

Keytruda is a member of a class of drugs called monoclonal antibodies. Keytruda is believed to work by binding to the cell surface receptor known as programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1). This action signals and enhances the body’s antitumor immune response, allowing the immune system to destroy cancer cells.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Keytruda is given as an IV injection (into your vein) by a health care professional. Keytruda is usually given in a health clinic or doctor’s office once every three or six weeks. It should be administered according to the frequency specified by the physician.

Keytruda is available only as an IV injection.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Keytruda lists common side effects including fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, decreased appetite, itching, diarrhea, nausea, rash, fever, cough, shortness of breath, constipation, and abdominal pain.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Keytruda include fetal harm and infusion reactions.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) — Merck
https://www.keytruda.com/

Pembrolizumab (Intravenous Route) — Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/pe...