KEYTRUDA
PEMBROLIZUMAB
What it does
Pembrolizumab is a medicine that helps the body's immune system fight cancer.
Commonly used for: certain types of cancer, malignant melanoma (skin cancer), non-small cell lung cancer
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Sourcing - Kenya onlyRegistration & product details
Source: Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority · fetched 2026-05-11 08:00:18 · updated 2026-09-21 02:30:18
About this medicine
Pembrolizumab is a medicine that helps the body's immune system fight cancer.
What it treats
- certain types of cancer
- malignant melanoma (skin cancer)
- non-small cell lung cancer
How it works
It works by blocking a specific protein on immune cells, which helps the immune system to attack cancer cells more effectively.
Who it's for
This medicine is for adults and children with certain cancers that can be treated with immunotherapy.
Cautions
- • Be careful if you are taking other medicines that can affect blood cell production.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: Pembrolizumab
BNF-referencedPembrolizumab is a monoclonal antibody that functions as an immune checkpoint inhibitor. It specifically binds to the programmed death-1 (PD-1) receptor on T cells, thereby enhancing the immune response against tumor cells. This mechanism allows the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively, making pembrolizumab a critical treatment option for various malignancies.
Indications
- Melanoma
- Non-small cell lung cancer
- Urothelial carcinoma
- Classical Hodgkin lymphoma
- Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
- Renal cell carcinoma
- Colorectal cancer
- Oesophageal carcinoma
- Breast cancer
- Endometrial carcinoma
- Cervical cancer
- Gastric cancer
- Small intestine cancer
- Biliary cancer
Dosage
Children: For paediatric dosing
Adults: The dosage of pembrolizumab is typically 200 mg administered every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks, depending on the specific indication and clinical context. Refer to the BNF for specific dosing recommendations based on the patient's condition and response.
Mechanism of action
Pembrolizumab binds to the programmed death-1 (PD-1) receptor on T cells, inhibiting its interaction with PD-L1 and PD-L2, which are ligands that normally downregulate immune responses. By blocking this pathway, pembrolizumab enhances the activation and proliferation of T cells, promoting a more robust immune response against tumor cells.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamics of pembrolizumab are primarily related to its role in the modulation of T cell activity. By inhibiting PD-1, pembrolizumab increases T cell activation, which can lead to improved anti-tumor activity. Clinical outcomes include enhanced immune-mediated tumor destruction and improved survival rates in patients with certain types of cancer.
Pharmacokinetics
Pembrolizumab has a half-life of approximately 26 days, allowing for convenient dosing schedules. The drug is administered via intravenous infusion, and its pharmacokinetics can be affected by various factors, including the patient's body weight. It is primarily eliminated through the reticuloendothelial system, and its clearance is linear across the therapeutic dose range.
Contra-indications
- History of interstitial pulmonary disease
- Severe dry eye
- History of keratitis
- History of ulcerative keratitis
Adverse effects
- Immune-mediated adverse reactions
- Skin reactions
- Pneumonitis
- Colitis
- Hepatitis
- Endocrinopathies
- Nephritis
- Infusion-related reactions
Interactions
- Corticosteroids may reduce the effectiveness of pembrolizumab
- Other immunosuppressive agents may interfere with its therapeutic effect
Precautions
- Monitor for immune-related adverse effects
- Patients with a history of keratitis should be observed closely
- Evaluate for underlying pulmonary disease prior to treatment
Pregnancy
Avoid use during pregnancy due to potential toxicity in animal studies.
Breast-feeding
Manufacturer advises to avoid breastfeeding during and for 2 months after treatment.
Storage
Store in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze. Protect from light.
Formulations
- Pembrolizumab 50 mg/ml solution for infusion
- Pembrolizumab 100 mg/4 ml concentrate for solution for infusion
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.