Menu

Internal MedicineOur MissionOur Team
CardiovascularDermatologicEndocrineENTGastrointestinalGenito-UrinaryHematologyImmunologyMusculoskeletalNeurologicOphthalmologyPsychiatricPulmonaryGLP-1 Medications
All Health ConditionsCardiovascularDermatologicEndocrineENTGastrointestinalGenito-UrinaryHematologyImmunologyMusculoskeletalNeurologicOphthalmologyPsychiatricPulmonary
Medication GuidePatient FormsYour First VisitPatient ResourcesLab VisitsPatient PortalHIPAA PrivacyLocal VitalsFAQ
Supplements
Outbreaks
Contact Us
Back to Medication Guide

Pembrolizumab

Generic Name: Pembrolizumab

Brand Names: Keytruda

Pembrolizumab is a PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor used for many cancer types.

OncologyImmunotherapy

What It's Used For

Pembrolizumab is prescribed for:

  • Melanoma
  • Non-small cell lung cancer
  • Head and neck cancer
  • Hodgkin lymphoma
  • Many other cancers
  • Oncology immunotherapy

One of the most widely used cancer immunotherapies.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

  • Fatigue
  • Rash
  • Pruritus
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea

Serious side effects (immune-mediated):

  • Pneumonitis
  • Colitis
  • Hepatitis
  • Endocrinopathies (thyroid, adrenal, diabetes)
  • Nephritis

Additional Information

What is Pembrolizumab?

Pembrolizumab is a PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor that helps the immune system fight cancer.

Wide Indications

Approved for more cancer types than any other immunotherapy, including tumor-agnostic indications.

Immune-Related Side Effects

Can cause inflammation in any organ - requires monitoring and may need steroids to manage.

Learn more at MedlinePlus.

Related Health Conditions

This medication is commonly used to treat or manage the following conditions:

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a cancer of lymphocytes in the immune system, leading to uncontrolled growth and tumor formation, with various types, causes, and associations to infections and toxins.

Learn More

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. Your doctor can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific health condition and medical history.

Loading questions...

Ask Dr. Zimmer

Have questions about Pembrolizumab? Get expert answers from Dr. Zimmer.

Privacy: Your questions are posted anonymously for your health privacy. Your name and email are only used for admin purposes.

Questions are reviewed before posting. You'll see your question and Dr. Zimmer's answer below once approved.