What is Pembrolizumab?
Pembrolizumab is a highly selective humanized PD-1 receptor monoclonal antibody against IgG4-kappa. It was developed by grafting the variable sequences of a high-affinity mouse anti-human PD-1 antibody onto a human IgG4-kappa isotype with a stabilizing S228P Fc mutation. Pembrolizumab, known by its brand name Keytruda, is a type of immunotherapy. It can be used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), melanoma skin cancer, bladder cancer, and Hodgkin lymphoma.
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Get A Second OpinionPembrolizumab Uses
Pembrolizumab is prescribed to treat melanoma that cannot be treated with surgery or has spread, or to prevent the return of melanoma after surgery. It is used for some forms of NSCLC that are not treatable by surgery, other chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, or that have spread or worsened during or after chemotherapy. Pembrolizumab is also used for small-cell lung cancer that has spread or worsened during or after treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy.
Pembrolizumab Side Effects
Common Side Effects:
- Joint pain
- Back pain
- Swelling of the body
- Changes in skin color
- Extreme tiredness
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Serious Side Effects:
- Blisters or peeling of skin
- Painful sores
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Diarrhea
- Black stools
- Severe stomach cramp
- Changes in appetite
- Pain in the upper right part of the stomach
- Irregular heartbeat
- Changes in weight
- Hair loss
- Increased sweating
Talk to your doctor if you experience any unusual problems while taking these medications.
How to Take Pembrolizumab
Pembrolizumab injection is administered intravenously by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or medical center over 30 minutes. It is usually given once every three to six weeks. Serious reactions may occur during or after the infusion. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms like flushing, fever, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Your doctor might stop the treatment and provide alternative medications if necessary.
Interactions
Inform your doctor or pharmacist about all prescribed and non-prescribed/herbal products you use, especially warfarin. This medication may cause false-positive results in certain diabetic urine tests (cupric sulfate-type) and may affect some lab test results. Ensure your laboratory personnel and doctors are aware of your Pembrolizumab usage.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose can include extreme drowsiness, confusion, lack of balance, severe muscle weakness, fainting, or shallow breathing. An overdose can lead to a medical emergency. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect an overdose.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, avoid taking Pembrolizumab unless you can sleep for 7 to 8 hours afterward. Skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take duplicate doses.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
It is uncertain if Pembrolizumab affects fertility. Discuss with your doctor if you plan to have a baby in the future. A baby in the womb could be affected by this medicine. Prevent pregnancy or fathering a child while taking this medicine and for at least 4 months afterward. Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment as the medication may pass into breast milk.
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Book an AppointmentPembrolizumab vs. Mitomycin
| Pembrolizumab | Mitomycin |
|---|---|
| Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) is an immunotherapy. | Mitomycin is a cancer drug used with other medicines to treat stomach and pancreas cancers. |
| Used for small-cell lung cancer that has spread or worsened after platinum-containing chemotherapy. | Mitomycin is an antibiotic used only in chemotherapy to slow or prevent cancer cell growth. |
| Common Side Effects of Pembrolizumab: Joint pain, back pain, swelling, skin color changes, extreme tiredness. | Common Side Effects of Mitomycin: Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, mouth sores, headache. |
