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Pembrolizumab

Pronounced

"PEM-broe-LIZ-ue-mab"

Common brand names:

Keytruda

Uses

Pembrolizumab is used to treat cancer. It works by changing the action of your own immune system, directing it to attack cancer cells. Pembrolizumab belongs to a class of drugs known as monoclonal antibodies.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start receiving pembrolizumab and each time you get a treatment. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is given by a health care professional. It is injected slowly into a vein over 30 minutes. It is given as directed by your doctor, usually once every 3 weeks or once every 6 weeks. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Children's dosage is also based on weight.

Infusion reactions may happen during the infusion of this drug. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of infusion reactions such as fever, chills, shaking, flushing, shortness of breath, dizziness, or feeling faint. Your doctor may slow down or stop your treatment for some time.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark the days on the calendar when you need to receive the medication.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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Information expires December 2025.