Pembrolizumab (By injection)
pem-broe-LIZ-ue-mab
Treats cancer, including skin and lung cancer.
Drug classes
Antineoplastic Agent, Immunological Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Pembrolizumab injection is used to treat melanoma (a type of skin cancer) that has spread or cannot be removed by surgery.
Pembrolizumab injection is also used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has spread. It is only used after receiving platinum-containing chemotherapy.
Pembrolizumab is a monoclonal antibody that changes the immune system to help control the growth of cancer cells.
This medicine is to be given only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Missed dose: This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to pembrolizumab, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Warnings
This medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control while you receive this medicine and for 4 months after your last dose.
Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, diabetes, lung disease, or immune system problems.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Pneumonitis (lung problems) Colitis (inflammation of the colon), which might damage your digestive system Hepatitis Adrenal, pituitary, or thyroid gland problems Changes in blood sugar Kidney problems, which could lead to kidney failure Infusion reactions, which could be severeYour doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Bloody or black, tarry stools, diarrhea, severe stomach pain
Bloody or cloudy urine, swelling of your face, feet, or lower legs
Blurred vision or vision changes
Cough, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Fever, chills, shaking, rash, itchy skin
Increased hunger or thirst, dry mouth, sweating, changes in how much or how often you urinate
Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
Weakness, unusual headaches, tiredness, weight changes, feeling cold
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Keytruda
There may be other brand names for this medicine.