About pembrolizumab
PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor
Used for
- Treats several cancers, including melanoma, lung, kidney, bladder, and some head and neck cancers.
- Used alone or with other cancer medicines, depending on cancer type and treatment setting.
Usual adult dose
Usually 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks; cancer-specific regimens vary.
Usual dose in children
For certain cancers, 2 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks, up to 200 mg; eligibility and regimen vary.
Common side effects
- Tiredness, rash, itching, diarrhea, nausea, and reduced appetite.
- Immune-related inflammation affecting lungs, bowel, liver, kidneys, skin, or hormone glands.
- Infusion reactions; rare severe or life-threatening immune reactions.
Important warnings
- Immune reactions can begin during treatment or after it ends, and may be serious.
- Report new or worsening breathing problems, diarrhea, jaundice, severe rash, or unusual weakness promptly.
- Treatment may harm a fetus; effective contraception is recommended during treatment and for four months afterward.
- Use requires specialist supervision; monitoring and treatment depend on the cancer and combination regimen.
Pregnancy
May harm the fetus. Avoid during pregnancy unless a specialist determines treatment is essential; contraception is recommended during treatment and for four months afterward.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for four months after the last dose.
Interactions
- No major direct drug interactions are established; interactions are mainly related to immune effects.
- Other immune-suppressing medicines, including corticosteroids, may affect treatment or be needed for serious immune reactions.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.