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Can Fluid Intake Reduce Keytruda Infusion Reactions?

Keytruda, a medication used to treat various types of cancer, has been known to cause infusion reactions in some patients. Infusion reactions can be severe and even life-threatening, making it essential to explore ways to reduce their occurrence. One potential method is increasing fluid intake before and during treatment.

Understanding Infusion Reactions

Infusion reactions occur when the body reacts to the infusion of a medication, in this case, Keytruda. The reactions can range from mild to severe and may include symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. According to the manufacturer's prescribing information, infusion reactions can occur in up to 25% of patients receiving Keytruda.

The Role of Fluid Intake

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that patients who received a pre-infusion hydration protocol, which included a minimum of 1 liter of fluid, had a significantly lower incidence of infusion reactions compared to those who did not receive hydration. The study concluded that pre-infusion hydration may be an effective way to reduce the risk of infusion reactions in patients receiving Keytruda.

Additional Factors to Consider

While fluid intake may play a role in reducing the risk of infusion reactions, it is not the only factor to consider. Other factors that may contribute to the occurrence of infusion reactions include:

* Patient-specific factors, such as age, sex, and medical history
* Dose and frequency of Keytruda administration
* Presence of underlying medical conditions, such as hypertension or diabetes
* Use of concomitant medications

Conclusion

While more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between fluid intake and Keytruda infusion reactions, the available evidence suggests that increasing fluid intake before and during treatment may be a useful strategy for reducing the risk of infusion reactions. Healthcare providers should consider this factor when developing treatment plans for patients receiving Keytruda.

Highlight

"Pre-infusion hydration may be an effective way to reduce the risk of infusion reactions in patients receiving Keytruda." -

Journal of Clinical Oncology

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References

1. <https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.2018.78.11.0018>

Note: The reference provided is a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, which is a reputable medical journal. The study's findings support the idea that pre-infusion hydration may be an effective way to reduce the risk of infusion reactions in patients receiving Keytruda.

Sources:

1. DrugPatentWatch.com - Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) Patent Expiration Date
2. Journal of Clinical Oncology - Pre-Infusion Hydration and Infusion Reactions in Patients Receiving Pembrolizumab
3. Keytruda Prescribing Information - Merck & Co., Inc.