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MMST, MBBS
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MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated
29 Nov 2023 | 06:57 PM (IST)

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Keytruda Injection

Prescription Required
SALT COMPOSITION
Storage
Store below 30°C
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Product introduction

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.

Benefits of Keytruda Injection

In 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.

In 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.

In 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.

In 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.

Side effects of Keytruda Injection

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

How to use Keytruda Injection

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

How Keytruda Injection works

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.

Safety advice

Alcohol
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Keytruda Injection. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Keytruda Injection may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Keytruda Injection is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Driving
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether Keytruda Injection alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.
Kidney
CAUTION
Keytruda Injection should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Keytruda Injection may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Liver
CAUTION
Keytruda Injection should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Keytruda Injection may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

All substitutes

For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
No substitutes found for this medicine

Quick tips

  • 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.

Fact Box

Chemical Class
Monoclonal antibody (mAb)
Habit Forming
No
Therapeutic Class
ANTI NEOPLASTICS
Action Class
Programmed Cell Death 1 (PD-1) Checkpoint Inhibitors

Patient concerns

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I want to know the symptoms of cancer as I am a smoker
Dr. Vijay Sharnangat
Medical Oncology and Hematology
Symptoms for cancer depends upon which organ involved. For smokers , definitely chronic , they have possibility to develop lung cancer, head and neck cancers, oesophagus cancer, pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer and so more on. General symptoms would be like loss of appetite, weight loss, low grade fever in some cases, chronic cough for long time.
What is the purpose of Chemotherepy given at the time of radiotherapy in ca lung small cell carcinoma
Dr. Vijay Sharnangat
Medical Oncology and Hematology
This is given to enhance the therapeutic effect of radiation therapy which is curative for small cell lung cancer.
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Tata 1mg's sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover everything about particular health conditions, lab tests, medicines, all possible side effects, drug interactions, warnings, alerts, etc. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.

References

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

Marketer details

Name: MSD Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
Address: Platina, 8th Floor, C.59, G Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (East) , Mumbai - 400098,
Country of origin: India

MRP
197250
Inclusive of all taxes
4.0 ml in 1 vial
SOLD OUT
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