Pembrolizumab Medication Profile

Summary or Key Points

Pembrolizumab is an immunotherapy drug used in the treatment of various types of cancer, including melanoma, lung cancer, and cervical cancer, among others. It works by stimulating the body’s immune response against cancer cells. Side effects may occur, and it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider, who can be immediately reached through our telemedicine services, for personalized advice on dosage and administration.

Names of Medication

US Brand Name: Keytruda (Pembrolizumab)

In simple terms, the ‘generic name’ of a drug refers to its active ingredient, in this case, Pembrolizumab. The generic name, indicated in parentheses, is used universally by healthcare professionals regardless of the brand name, which varies by manufacturer.

Pharmacologic Category

Pembrolizumab falls under the pharmacologic category of Programmed Death Receptor-1 (PD-1) inhibitors. Other medications in this category include Nivolumab (Opdivo) and Cemiplimab (Libtayo).

Dosing

The dosing of Pembrolizumab varies depending on the type of cancer being treated. Always consult with your healthcare provider, available via our telemedicine service, before adjusting your dose.

• Melanoma: 200 mg every 3 weeks for as long as the disease remains under control.
• Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: 200 mg every 3 weeks for up to 2 years or until disease progression.

Dosing Continued

• Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer: 200 mg every 3 weeks for up to 2 years or until disease progression.
• Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma: 200 mg every 3 weeks for up to 2 years or until disease progression.
• Primary Mediastinal Large B-cell Lymphoma: 200 mg every 3 weeks for up to 2 years or until disease progression.
• Urothelial Carcinoma: 200 mg every 3 weeks for up to 2 years or until disease progression.
• Microsatellite Instability-High Cancer: 200 mg every 3 weeks for up to 2 years or until disease progression.
• Gastric Cancer: 200 mg every 3 weeks for up to 2 years or until disease progression.
• Cervical Cancer: 200 mg every 3 weeks for up to 2 years or until disease progression.
• Hepatocellular Carcinoma: 200 mg every 3 weeks for up to 2 years or until disease progression.
• Merkel Cell Carcinoma: 200 mg every 3 weeks for as long as the disease remains under control.
• Renal Cell Carcinoma: 200 mg every 3 weeks for up to 2 years or until disease progression.
• Small Cell Lung Cancer: 200 mg every 3 weeks for up to 2 years or until disease progression.
• Esophageal Cancer: 200 mg every 3 weeks for up to 2 years or until disease progression.
• Tumors with Tumor Mutational Burden-High: 200 mg every 3 weeks for up to 2 years or until disease progression.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Pembrolizumab is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Injection: 100 mg/4 mL (25 mg/mL) in a single-dose vial

Administration Instructions

Pembrolizumab is administered as an intravenous infusion over 30 minutes. Always consult with your healthcare provider, reachable via our telemedicine services, for personalized instructions.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

Pembrolizumab may cause side effects. It’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider if you experience any adverse reactions. Our telemedicine services offer immediate consultation with our providers. Side effects may include:

• Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak, which may affect daily activities.
• Nausea: You may feel sick to your stomach, and it may occasionally lead to vomiting.
• Diarrhea: Loose or frequent bowel movements.
• Itching: An irritating sensation that makes you want to scratch your skin.
• Rash: You may notice changes in the color or texture of your skin.
• Loss of Appetite: You might experience less desire to eat.
• Joint Pain: A discomfort, aching or stiffness in one or more joints.
• Abdominal Pain: Discomfort or pain that you feel anywhere between your chest and groin.

It’s crucial to monitor these side effects and consult with your healthcare provider if they persist or become severe. Our telemedicine service offers immediate consultation with our providers, helping you manage these potential side effects safely and effectively.

Contraindications

‘Contraindication’ is a term used in medicine to describe a condition or factor that serves as a reason to withhold a certain medical treatment due to potential harm or risk to the patient. Pembrolizumab is contraindicated for patients who have had a severe allergic reaction to Pembrolizumab or any of its ingredients. Such an allergy may cause serious complications, making it unsafe for use.

Drug to Drug Interactions

As of current knowledge, Pembrolizumab does not have known significant drug-to-drug interactions. However, patients should always inform their healthcare provider about all the medications they are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. This ensures your healthcare provider, who can be reached immediately through our telemedicine services, can monitor any potential interactions closely.

Pembrolizumab in Pregnancy

It is uncertain whether Pembrolizumab is safe to use during pregnancy. This medication may harm an unborn baby. It’s important to discuss with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, which can be conveniently done through our telemedicine platform.

Pembrolizumab while Breastfeeding

It is not known whether Pembrolizumab passes into breast milk. Nursing mothers should consult with their healthcare provider, readily available through our telemedicine service, before starting treatment.

Estimated Cost of Medication

The estimated cost of a 30-day supply of Pembrolizumab, without insurance and using a GoodRx coupon, is approximately $8,000 to $9,000. However, the actual price may vary based on pharmacy location and the dosage prescribed. Remember, our telemedicine services can help guide you through financial options.

Possible Alternatives

It’s important to note that changing or stopping your medication should only be done after discussing with your healthcare provider, available via our telemedicine platform. Possible alternatives and lifestyle changes for some of the diseases treated by Pembrolizumab include:

• Melanoma: Other treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, or other medications like Ipilimumab (Yervoy). Regular skin checks and sun protection are key prevention strategies.
• Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Treatments may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or other targeted therapies. Lifestyle changes include quitting smoking and ensuring a healthy diet.
• Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer: Alternatives may include surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. Alcohol and tobacco cessation are beneficial lifestyle changes.
• Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma: Other treatments might involve radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or stem cell transplant. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is beneficial.
• Primary Mediastinal Large B-cell Lymphoma: Alternatives include chemotherapy and stem cell transplant. Healthy lifestyle choices support overall wellbeing.
• Urothelial Carcinoma: Surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy are possible alternatives. Hydrating well and limiting exposure to certain chemicals can help.

Possible Alternatives Continued

• Microsatellite Instability-High Cancer: Other treatment options might include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can support overall health.
• Gastric Cancer: Surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy are possible alternatives. Lifestyle changes may include maintaining a healthy diet and limiting alcohol consumption.
• Cervical Cancer: Alternatives may include surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. Regular screening and HPV vaccination can help in prevention.
• Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Other treatment options might involve surgery, radiation therapy, or liver transplant. Limiting alcohol consumption and maintaining a healthy weight are beneficial lifestyle changes.
• Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Alternatives may include surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. Protecting skin from sun exposure can help prevent this type of cancer.
• Renal Cell Carcinoma: Surgery, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy are possible alternatives. Lifestyle changes may include quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy weight.
• Small Cell Lung Cancer: Treatments might include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery. Quitting smoking is a key preventive measure.
• Esophageal Cancer: Surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy are possible alternatives. Lifestyle changes might include limiting alcohol consumption and maintaining a healthy diet.
• Tumors with Tumor Mutational Burden-High: Alternatives may include surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. Healthy lifestyle choices can support overall wellbeing.

Please consult with your healthcare provider, easily accessible via our telemedicine services, before making any changes to your treatment plan.

Recent Updates on Pembrolizumab Research

Recent studies on Pembrolizumab continue to show promise. It is currently being studied in combination with other treatments for various cancers. For example, a 2023 study showed that Pembrolizumab in combination with chemotherapy improved survival rates in patients with certain types of breast cancer. However, research is ongoing, and we encourage patients to discuss these developments with their healthcare provider available via our telemedicine service.

In addition to the use of Pembrolizumab in breast cancer, ongoing clinical trials are exploring the drug’s effectiveness in various stages of different types of cancers, including those that are difficult to treat. For example, a 2023 trial is studying the effectiveness of Pembrolizumab in combination with other therapies for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Furthermore, Pembrolizumab’s potential as a first-line treatment for certain types of lung cancer is currently under study. Regularly consulting with your healthcare provider through our telemedicine services ensures you stay abreast of these updates and understand how they may impact your treatment plan.

Exciting advancements have been made in the use of Pembrolizumab for treating Microsatellite Instability-High cancers, with some studies showing promising results. Other studies are looking at the use of Pembrolizumab for early-stage cancers to help prevent recurrence. It is important to discuss with your healthcare provider, readily available through our telemedicine service, about how these research updates might impact your treatment plan.

Brief Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.