Keytruda Injection

Keytruda Injection is used in the treatment of melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, head and neck cancer, and cervical cancer.

Keytruda Injection is given as an infusion into the vein by a qualified medical professional. Your doctor will decide what dose is necessary and how often you need to take it. This will depend on what you are being treated for and may change from time to time. You should take it exactly as your doctor has advised. Taking it in the wrong way or taking too much can cause very serious side effects. It may take several weeks or months for you to see or feel the benefits but do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.

Some common side effects of this medicine include rash, fatigue, fever, nausea and muscle pain. Some serious side effects which may occur during infusion include chills or shaking, itching, rash, flushing, difficulty breathing and dizziness. Hence, your doctor will check you timely after infusion for allergic reaction.

Before taking it, tell your doctor if you have lung disease, liver, or kidney problems or are taking any medicines to treat infections. Many other medicines can affect, or be affected by, this medicine so let your healthcare team know all medications you are using. This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. The use of effective contraception by both males and females during treatment is important to avoid pregnancy.

• Melanoma
• Non-small cell lung cancer
• Head and neck cancer
• Cervical cancer

Melanoma
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops in melanocytes, the cells that produce the pigment called melanin. Melanin is the pigment that gives the skin its color. Melanoma is the most deadly and aggressive kind of skin cancer. Keytruda Injection sticks to the genetic code, called DNA,of the cancer cells and kills them . It also prevents their growth and further spread. This helps to treat the cancer.

Non-small cell lung cancer
Non-small cell lung cancer is one of the major kinds of lung cancer and it affects both smokers as well as non-smokers. Keytruda Injection helps treat non-small cell lung cancer and may be given alone or in combination with other medicines. It is a potent and very toxic medicine and you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. You should avoid drinking alcohol while having this treatment and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Head and neck cancer
Head and neck cancer includes cancer of the mouth, nose, sinuses or throat. Keytruda Injection kills or stops the growth of cancer cells and also prevents the multiplication of cancer cells. It is a potent and very toxic medicine and you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. You should avoid drinking alcohol or smoking while having this treatment and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Cervical cancer
Keytruda Injection is an anti-cancer medicine that is used to kill cancerous cells in cervical cancer, a cancer that develops in the cervix of a female. The affected female may have symptoms such as abnormal bleeding, foul smelling vaginal discharge, lower back pain, or may even have no symptoms at all. It has a lot of side effects and you must discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before starting treatment with this medicine. You should avoid drinking alcohol while having this treatment and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Keytruda

• Rash
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Musculoskeletal (bone, muscle or joint) pain
• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Itching
• Constipation
• Indigestion
• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Cough

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

Keytruda Injection is an anti-cancer medication. It works in certain cancer by working with immune system thereby activating T-cell mediated immune responses against tumor cells.

• Keytruda Injection helps your immune system fight cancer such as that of head, neck, lung, and skin.
• It is usually given through an infusion into your vein (IV) for about 30 minutes, every 3 weeks, by your doctor.
• It may make you feel tired or weak. Do not drive or use machines unless you are sure you are feeling well.
• Take adequate birth control measures while you are being treated with this medicine and for at least 4 months after your last dose, as it can cause harm to an unborn baby.
• Do not stop treatment without talking to your doctor first.

Pembrolizumab. Whitehouse Station, New Jersey: Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.; 2014 [revised Oct. 2016]. [Accessed 26 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from: