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Which Side Effects of Keytruda Require Immediate Medical Attention?

H1: Introduction

Keytruda, also known as pembrolizumab, is a revolutionary immunotherapy medication used to treat various types of cancer, including melanoma, lung cancer, and head and neck cancer. While it has shown remarkable success in combating cancer, it can also cause a range of side effects, some of which may require immediate medical attention. In this article, we will explore the most critical side effects of Keytruda that demand prompt medical attention.

H2: What is Keytruda?

Keytruda is a programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) inhibitor, which works by blocking the PD-1 protein on T-cells, allowing them to recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively. It is administered intravenously every three weeks and has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of various types of cancer.

H3: Common Side Effects of Keytruda

While Keytruda is generally well-tolerated, it can cause a range of side effects, including:

* Fatigue
* Musculoskeletal pain
* Nausea
* Diarrhea
* Rash
* Itching
* Hives

H4: Serious Side Effects of Keytruda

While the above side effects are common, some serious side effects of Keytruda may require immediate medical attention. These include:

* Severe Infusion Reactions: Keytruda can cause severe infusion reactions, which can manifest as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and throat, and rapid heartbeat. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

H5: Immune-Related Adverse Reactions

Keytruda can also cause immune-related adverse reactions, which can affect various organs and systems in the body. These reactions can be severe and even life-threatening. Some common immune-related adverse reactions include:

* Hypophysitis: Inflammation of the pituitary gland, which can cause symptoms such as headaches, vision changes, and fatigue.
* Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid gland, which can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes, and difficulty concentrating.
* Necrotizing Enterocolitis: Inflammation of the intestines, which can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.

H6: Neurological Side Effects

Keytruda can also cause neurological side effects, which can be severe and even life-threatening. These include:

* Seizures: Keytruda can cause seizures, which can be triggered by the medication or other factors.
* Neuropathy: Keytruda can cause nerve damage, which can cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hands and feet.

H7: Cardiac Side Effects

Keytruda can also cause cardiac side effects, which can be severe and even life-threatening. These include:

* Cardiac Arrest: Keytruda can cause cardiac arrest, which can be triggered by the medication or other factors.

H8: Gastrointestinal Side Effects

Keytruda can also cause gastrointestinal side effects, which can be severe and even life-threatening. These include:

* Gastrointestinal Perforation: Keytruda can cause gastrointestinal perforation, which can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

H9: Respiratory Side Effects

Keytruda can also cause respiratory side effects, which can be severe and even life-threatening. These include:

* Pneumonitis: Keytruda can cause pneumonitis, which can cause symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain.

H10: Skin Side Effects

Keytruda can also cause skin side effects, which can be severe and even life-threatening. These include:

* ** Stevens-Johnson Syndrome**: Keytruda can cause Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, which can cause symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and a rash that blisters and peels.

H11: Eye Side Effects

Keytruda can also cause eye side effects, which can be severe and even life-threatening. These include:

* Uveitis: Keytruda can cause uveitis, which can cause symptoms such as eye pain, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light.

H12: Keytruda and Pregnancy

Keytruda is not recommended for use during pregnancy, as it can cause harm to the developing fetus. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception while taking Keytruda and for at least 4 months after the last dose.

H13: Keytruda and Breastfeeding

Keytruda is not recommended for use while breastfeeding, as it can pass into breast milk and cause harm to the infant.

H14: Conclusion

Keytruda is a powerful immunotherapy medication that has shown remarkable success in combating cancer. However, it can also cause a range of side effects, some of which may require immediate medical attention. It is essential to be aware of these side effects and to seek medical attention promptly if you experience any severe or life-threatening symptoms.

H15: Key Takeaways

* Keytruda can cause severe infusion reactions, which can manifest as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and throat, and rapid heartbeat.
* Keytruda can cause immune-related adverse reactions, which can affect various organs and systems in the body.
* Keytruda can cause neurological side effects, which can be severe and even life-threatening.
* Keytruda can cause cardiac side effects, which can be severe and even life-threatening.
* Keytruda is not recommended for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

FAQs

Q: What are the most common side effects of Keytruda?
A: The most common side effects of Keytruda include fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, nausea, diarrhea, rash, itching, and hives.

Q: What are the serious side effects of Keytruda that require immediate medical attention?
A: Serious side effects of Keytruda that require immediate medical attention include severe infusion reactions, immune-related adverse reactions, neurological side effects, cardiac side effects, gastrointestinal side effects, respiratory side effects, skin side effects, and eye side effects.

Q: Is Keytruda safe for use during pregnancy?
A: No, Keytruda is not recommended for use during pregnancy, as it can cause harm to the developing fetus.

Q: Is Keytruda safe for use while breastfeeding?
A: No, Keytruda is not recommended for use while breastfeeding, as it can pass into breast milk and cause harm to the infant.

Q: How can I manage the side effects of Keytruda?
A: Your healthcare provider will provide guidance on managing the side effects of Keytruda. This may include taking medication to alleviate symptoms, adjusting your dosage, or taking a break from treatment.

Sources

1. Keytruda Prescribing Information. (2022). Retrieved from <https://www.merck.com/product/usa/picirculars/k/keytruda/keytrudapi.pdf>
2. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent-expiration-dates/pembrolizumab-keytruda>
3. National Cancer Institute. (2022). Pembrolizumab (Keytruda). Retrieved from <https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/immunotherapy/pembrolizumab>
4. American Cancer Society. (2022). Pembrolizumab (Keytruda). Retrieved from <https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/treatment-types/immunotherapy/pembrolizumab.html>

Note: The article is based on publicly available information and is not intended to provide medical advice. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized guidance on using Keytruda or any other medication.