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Common Keytruda Side Effects: What You Need to Know

What is Keytruda?

Keytruda, also known as pembrolizumab, is a medication used to treat various types of cancer, including melanoma, lung cancer, and breast cancer. It is a type of immunotherapy, which works by boosting the body's natural defenses to fight cancer cells. Keytruda is administered through an intravenous infusion and is often used in combination with other treatments.

Common Side Effects of Keytruda

While Keytruda has shown promising results in treating cancer, it can cause a range of side effects. Some of the most common side effects of Keytruda include:

Hypothyroidism

* What is it?: Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones.
* Symptoms: Fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, hair loss, and cold intolerance.
* Prevention: Regular thyroid function tests and hormone replacement therapy if necessary.

Fatigue

* What is it?: Feeling extremely tired or lacking energy.
* Symptoms: Feeling exhausted, weak, or lacking motivation.
* Prevention: Getting enough rest, exercising regularly, and taking breaks.

Diarrhea

* What is it?: Loose, watery stools.
* Symptoms: Frequent bowel movements, abdominal cramps, and bloating.
* Prevention: Staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and taking medication as prescribed.

Rash

* What is it?: A skin reaction that can range from mild to severe.
* Symptoms: Redness, itching, swelling, and blistering.
* Prevention: Applying moisturizers, avoiding irritants, and taking antihistamines if necessary.

Itching

* What is it?: A sensation of discomfort or irritation on the skin.
* Symptoms: Redness, swelling, and scratching.
* Prevention: Applying moisturizers, avoiding irritants, and taking antihistamines if necessary.

Nausea and Vomiting

* What is it?: Feeling queasy or sick to the stomach.
* Symptoms: Feeling queasy, vomiting, and stomach pain.
* Prevention: Taking anti-nausea medication, eating small, frequent meals, and avoiding trigger foods.

Cough

* What is it?: A sudden, uncontrollable urge to cough.
* Symptoms: Coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
* Prevention: Staying hydrated, avoiding irritants, and taking cough medication if necessary.

Less Common but Serious Side Effects

While the above side effects are common, Keytruda can also cause more serious side effects, including:

Immune-Related Adverse Reactions

* What is it?: A severe allergic reaction or an overactive immune response.
* Symptoms: Fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
* Prevention: Monitoring for signs of an allergic reaction and seeking medical attention immediately if symptoms occur.

Pneumonitis

* What is it?: Inflammation of the lungs.
* Symptoms: Coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and fever.
* Prevention: Monitoring for signs of lung inflammation and seeking medical attention immediately if symptoms occur.

Conclusion

Keytruda is a powerful medication that has shown promising results in treating various types of cancer. While it can cause a range of side effects, many of these can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes. It is essential to discuss any concerns or questions with your healthcare provider to ensure a safe and effective treatment plan.

Key Takeaways

* Keytruda is a type of immunotherapy used to treat various types of cancer.
* Common side effects of Keytruda include hypothyroidism, fatigue, diarrhea, rash, itching, nausea and vomiting, and cough.
* Less common but serious side effects include immune-related adverse reactions and pneumonitis.
* Monitoring for signs of side effects and seeking medical attention immediately if symptoms occur is crucial.

FAQs

1. What are the most common side effects of Keytruda?

The most common side effects of Keytruda include hypothyroidism, fatigue, diarrhea, rash, itching, nausea and vomiting, and cough.

2. How can I manage the side effects of Keytruda?

Managing side effects of Keytruda requires a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and monitoring. Discuss any concerns or questions with your healthcare provider to ensure a safe and effective treatment plan.

3. What are immune-related adverse reactions?

Immune-related adverse reactions are severe allergic reactions or an overactive immune response caused by Keytruda. Symptoms include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

4. What is pneumonitis?

Pneumonitis is inflammation of the lungs caused by Keytruda. Symptoms include coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and fever.

5. How can I prevent side effects of Keytruda?

Preventing side effects of Keytruda requires monitoring for signs of side effects and seeking medical attention immediately if symptoms occur. Additionally, following a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can help reduce the risk of side effects.

Sources

1. Keytruda (pembrolizumab) [Prescribing Information]. Merck & Co., Inc.
2. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent-expiration/pembrolizumab-keytruda>
3. National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Pembrolizumab. Retrieved from <https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/immunotherapy/pembrolizumab>
4. American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Pembrolizumab (Keytruda). Retrieved from <https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/treatment-types/immunotherapy/pembrolizumab.html>
5. Merck & Co., Inc. (n.d.). Keytruda (pembrolizumab) [Patient Information]. Retrieved from <https://www.merck.com/product/usa/picirculars/k/keytruda/keytrudapi.pdf>