Keytruda Injection

Keytruda 100mg Injection is an immunotherapy medication that contains the active ingredient pembrolizumab. It is used either alone or in combination with other medications to treat various types of cancer, including those affecting the lungs (non-small cell lung cancer), kidneys (renal cell carcinoma), bladder (urothelial carcinoma), stomach (gastric or gastro-oesophageal junction adenocarcinoma), liver (biliary tract carcinoma), and colon (colorectal cancer). Keytruda 100 mg Injection may cause side effects such as diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, itching, rash, headache, fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle or joint pain, loss of appetite, and reactions at the injection site.

If any of these side effects persist, please inform your doctor. This medication should only be administered by your oncologist and must not be self-administered. Avoid using Keytruda if you are allergic to it.

Before starting treatment, inform your doctor about any existing liver or kidney issues, autoimmune conditions (such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease), a history of organ transplants, stem cell transplants using donor cells, chest radiation, or any other medical conditions. Keytruda may harm an unborn baby and is not recommended for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Dosage

Missed a Dose

Your doctor or nurse will carefully monitor and schedule your injections, making it unlikely for a dose to be missed. However, if you suspect a dose might have been overlooked, let them know immediately.

Overdose

Your doctor or nurse will give Keytruda 100mg Injection. Therefore, the chances of overdose are very rare. If you experience the symptoms right after taking the injection, seek medical help.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Keytruda is an immunotherapy drug that aids the body's immune system in combating cancer. It functions by inhibiting a protein in cancer cells that allows them to evade detection by the immune system, thereby enabling T cells to recognise and attack the cancer.

Directions for Use

Keytruda 100 mg Injection will be administered to you in the hospital by a doctor or nurse. Follow all instructions provided by the doctor or nurse during the procedure and for aftercare.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Keytruda 100mg Injection during pregnancy?

Keytruda 100 mg Injection may pose risks to a developing fetus during pregnancy. It is essential to discuss the risks with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant while undergoing treatment with this medication.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Keytruda 100mg Injection while breastfeeding?

It is unclear if pembrolizumab from Keytruda 100mg Injection passes into breast milk. If you are taking this medication and breastfeeding, consult your doctor to evaluate the benefits of breastfeeding against the potential risks to your infant.

Driving

Can I drive if I have taken Keytruda 100mg Injection?

Keytruda 100mg injection has a minor effect on the ability to drive and operate machinery.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Keytruda 100mg Injection?

No known interactions with alcohol.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You have immune system issues, such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or lupus.
• You have received an organ or tissue transplant, including a corneal transplant.
• You have received or intend to receive a stem cell transplant that involves donor stem cells (allogeneic).
• You have undergone radiation treatment to your chest area.
• You have a condition that affects your nervous system, such as myasthenia gravis or Guillain-Barré syndrome.
• You are pregnant or intend to become pregnant, as Keytruda 100mg Injection can harm your unborn baby.
• You are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed, as it is unknown whether this medicine passes into breast milk.
• You are not using effective birth control and are capable of becoming pregnant during treatment or for four months after your last dose of Keytruda 100mg Injection.
• You take any prescription or over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements.

Contraindications

If you are allergic to pembrolizumab or any of the other ingredients of this injection.

Side effects

• Urinary tract infection
• Anemia
• Hypothyroidism
• Decreased appetite
• Insomnia
• Headache
• Cough
• Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Rash
• Pruritus (itching)
• Musculoskeletal pain
• Arthralgia (joint pain)
• Fatigue
• Asthenia (weakness)
• Pyrexia (fever)
• Edema (swelling)

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

Tell your doctor about all the medicines, supplements or herbals you are currently taking or might take to avoid any possible interaction.

Storage and disposal

Store in a refrigerator (2 °C – 8 °C). Keep the container in the outer carton to shield it from light. Ensure it is out of the reach of children.