For treating cancer.
Brand Name(s): Keytruda
Generic Name: Pembrolizumab
Instructions
This medicine is given as an IV injection into a vein.
This medicine should be given over 30 minutes.
This medicine should be given by a trained health care provider.
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor for instructions.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
Your doctor may prescribe other medications to reduce side effects. Follow instructions carefully.
This medicine may cause higher blood sugar levels or diabetes. Please follow your doctor's instructions and check your blood sugar level regularly while on this medicine.
Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.
Cautions
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
May cause mouth sores. Brush teeth gently. Avoid products containing alcohol. Rinse mouth with a mixture of water and baking soda or salt.
Tell your doctor or nurse right away if fever, chills, feeling of heat or flushing, dizziness, or fainting develop while the medicine is being given. The medicine may need to be stopped or given at a slower rate.
Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.
Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.
Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. You may safely start breastfeeding 4 months after stopping treatment.
This medicine can hurt a new baby in the womb. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may switch you to a different medicine.
Women must use reliable forms of birth control while using this medicine and for 4 months after stopping to prevent pregnancy.
Always carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet indicating your medical condition.
Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
- swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
- lack of energy and tiredness
- nausea and vomiting
- pain near injection site
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- severe or persistent abdominal pain
- bleeding or bruising
- chest pain
- changes in memory, mood, or thinking
- cough that does not go away
- severe, watery or bloody diarrhea
- dizziness
- eye pain or redness
- fainting
- feeling of heat or flushing
- fever or chills
- numbness or tingling in hands and feet
- severe or persistent headache
- fast, irregular, or slow heartbeat
- unusual or long-lasting hoarseness
- itching
- signs of kidney damage (such as change in urine color or bubbly urine)
- signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
- mouth sores or irritation
- muscle weakness
- joint or muscle pain
- seizures
- sensitivity to light
- shortness of breath
- sore throat
- difficulty adjusting to changes in temperature
- difficulty or discomfort urinating
- blurring or changes of vision
- sudden or unexplained change in weight
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist.
The display and use of this drug information is subject to Terms of Use.
More information about PEMBROLIZUMAB - INJECTION
Copyright(c) 2024 First Databank, Inc.
Selected from data included with permission and copyright by First DataBank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The display and use of this drug information is subject to express Terms of Use.
