Keytruda is a drug, already approved by Anvisa, which is indicated for the treatment of melanoma skin cancer and non-small cell lung cancer in patients who did not present results with another type of treatment and was recently approved for the treatment of bladder cancer.
Keytruda has in its composition Pembrolizumab, a monoclonal antibody that helps to regulate the immune system, so that it can trigger a more adequate response against the tumor. Its activity may lead to decreased tumor growth in patients with advanced melanoma.
Keytruda is not available for sale to the public since it is a medicine that can only be used in the hospital.
Indications
The medicinal product Pembrolizumab is indicated for the treatment of:
- Skin cancer, melanoma type,
- Non-small cell lung cancer, in advanced or metastatic stage,
- Advanced bladder cancer.
How to take
The amounts of Keytruda to be used and the duration of treatment depend on the state of the cancer and the individual response of each patient to the treatment and should be indicated by your doctor.
This is a medicine that should only be given intravenously for about 30 minutes by a physician, nurse or trained health professional and treatment should be repeated every 3 weeks.
Possible side effects
Some of the most common side effects of Keytruda may include nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, cough, tiredness, constipation, joint pain, itching or hives on the skin.
Who should not use
Keytruda should not be used in people who are allergic to any of the ingredients of the formula, such as in pregnant or lactating women.
