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Rare Keytruda Side Effects to Be Aware Of: A Comprehensive Guide

What is Keytruda?

Keytruda, also known as pembrolizumab, is a medication used to treat various types of cancer, including melanoma, lung cancer, and classical Hodgkin lymphoma. It is a type of immunotherapy that works by blocking a protein called PD-1, which helps cancer cells evade the immune system. Keytruda is administered intravenously every three weeks, and its effectiveness has been demonstrated in numerous clinical trials.

Common Side Effects of Keytruda

While Keytruda has been shown to be effective in treating various types of cancer, it can cause a range of side effects, some of which are common and others that are rare. Common side effects of Keytruda include:

* Fatigue
* Muscle or bone pain
* Nausea
* Diarrhea
* Rash
* Itching
* Swelling

Rare Keytruda Side Effects

While rare, Keytruda can cause serious and potentially life-threatening side effects. According to the FDA, the most common rare side effects of Keytruda include:

Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions

Keytruda can cause immune-mediated adverse reactions, which can be severe and even life-threatening. These reactions can include:

Hypophysitis

Hypophysitis is a rare side effect of Keytruda that occurs when the immune system attacks the pituitary gland. Symptoms of hypophysitis include headaches, fatigue, and vision changes.

Thyroiditis

Thyroiditis is another rare side effect of Keytruda that occurs when the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Symptoms of thyroiditis include fatigue, weight changes, and changes in appetite.

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a rare side effect of Keytruda that occurs when the immune system attacks the pancreas. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes mellitus include increased thirst and urination, blurred vision, and fatigue.

Neurologic Toxicities

Keytruda can cause neurologic toxicities, which can be severe and even life-threatening. These toxicities can include:

Encephalitis

Encephalitis is a rare side effect of Keytruda that occurs when the immune system attacks the brain. Symptoms of encephalitis include headache, fever, and confusion.

Meningitis

Meningitis is another rare side effect of Keytruda that occurs when the immune system attacks the lining of the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms of meningitis include headache, fever, and stiff neck.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare side effect of Keytruda that occurs when the immune system attacks the nerves. Symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome include weakness, numbness, and tingling in the legs and arms.

Cardiovascular Toxicities

Keytruda can cause cardiovascular toxicities, which can be severe and even life-threatening. These toxicities can include:

Myocarditis

Myocarditis is a rare side effect of Keytruda that occurs when the immune system attacks the heart muscle. Symptoms of myocarditis include chest pain, shortness of breath, and palpitations.

Pericarditis

Pericarditis is another rare side effect of Keytruda that occurs when the immune system attacks the lining of the heart. Symptoms of pericarditis include chest pain, shortness of breath, and palpitations.

Other Rare Side Effects

Keytruda can cause other rare side effects, including:

Pneumonitis

Pneumonitis is a rare side effect of Keytruda that occurs when the immune system attacks the lungs. Symptoms of pneumonitis include cough, fever, and shortness of breath.

Colitis

Colitis is another rare side effect of Keytruda that occurs when the immune system attacks the lining of the colon. Symptoms of colitis include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.

What to Do If You Experience Rare Keytruda Side Effects

If you experience rare Keytruda side effects, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately. Your healthcare provider may need to adjust your treatment or provide additional support to manage your symptoms.

Conclusion

While Keytruda has been shown to be effective in treating various types of cancer, it can cause a range of side effects, some of which are rare and potentially life-threatening. It is essential to be aware of these rare side effects and to seek medical attention immediately if you experience any symptoms. By understanding the potential risks and benefits of Keytruda, you can make informed decisions about your treatment and work with your healthcare provider to manage any side effects that may occur.

Key Takeaways

* Keytruda is a medication used to treat various types of cancer, including melanoma, lung cancer, and classical Hodgkin lymphoma.
* Common side effects of Keytruda include fatigue, muscle or bone pain, nausea, diarrhea, rash, itching, and swelling.
* Rare side effects of Keytruda include immune-mediated adverse reactions, neurologic toxicities, cardiovascular toxicities, and other rare side effects.
* If you experience rare Keytruda side effects, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately.

FAQs

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

Common side effects of Keytruda include fatigue, muscle or bone pain, nausea, diarrhea, rash, itching, and swelling.

2. What are the rare side effects of Keytruda?

Rare side effects of Keytruda include immune-mediated adverse reactions, neurologic toxicities, cardiovascular toxicities, and other rare side effects.

3. What should I do if I experience rare Keytruda side effects?

If you experience rare Keytruda side effects, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately. Your healthcare provider may need to adjust your treatment or provide additional support to manage your symptoms.

4. Can I continue taking Keytruda if I experience side effects?

It depends on the severity and type of side effects you experience. Your healthcare provider will work with you to determine the best course of treatment and whether you can continue taking Keytruda.

5. Are there any alternative treatments to Keytruda?

Yes, there are alternative treatments to Keytruda. Your healthcare provider will work with you to determine the best course of treatment for your specific type of cancer.

Sources

1. Keytruda Prescribing Information. (2022). Merck & Co., Inc.
2. FDA. (2022). Keytruda (pembrolizumab) Injection. Retrieved from <https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/keytruda-pembrolizumab-injection>
3. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Keytruda (pembrolizumab) Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent-expiration-date/keytruda-pembrolizumab>
4. National Cancer Institute. (2022). Keytruda. Retrieved from <https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/immunotherapy/keytruda>
5. American Cancer Society. (2022). Keytruda. Retrieved from <https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/treatment-types/immunotherapy/keytruda.html>