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What does it do?

Pembrolizumab is used to treat some cancers, such as certain types of melanoma. It makes your immune system attack the cancer cells.

Before you start

  • Tell your doctor if you have had a transplant (including a cornea transplant).
  • If there is a chance you could get pregnant, use reliable contraception while taking pembrolizumab and for up to 4 months after stopping. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
  • Pembrolizumab affects your immune system. Tell your doctor if you have had any vaccines in the last 2 months. Check with your doctor before having any vaccines while using it, and for up to 6 months after stopping.

How is it given?

Pembrolizumab is given as an infusion into a vein.

What if you forget a dose?

Pembrolizumab will be given to you by a health professional. If you are unable to attend an appointment, contact your health professional as soon as possible.

Can you take other medicines?

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side EffectsRecommended action

Reaction during the infusion including: fever, chills, aches and pains

Skin rash, skin peeling or blisters

Short of breath, persistent dry cough

Symptoms of heart inflammation including: fluttering, pounding or pain in your chest, shortness of breath

Severe stomach pain, nausea

Tell your doctor immediately

Feeling tired, unexplained weight gain or loss, feeling hotter or colder than normal (may be a thyroid problem)

Tingling or numbness

Confusion, drowsiness or weakness

Eye pain, changes in vision

Persistent diarrhoea, abdominal pain

Peeing more often, feeling thirsty

Tell your doctor

Pale skin patches, itching

Stomach upset

Tell your doctor if troublesome

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

  • Some side effects can happen after your treatment has finished. Discuss this with your doctor.
  • It is important to tell anyone who gives you medical or dental treatment that you are taking pembrolizumab.

This leaflet contains important, but not all, information about this medicine.

Prepared by the MyMedicines Committee at Christchurch Hospital, Te Whatu Ora - Waitaha, New Zealand. March 2023

For more general information about this sheet and its contents, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?

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About My Medicines

My Medicines Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) contain important, but not all, information about the medicines they describe.

For more information about the sheets, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?

My Medicines is developed by a team at Te Whatu Ora – Waitaha. Our team is made up of doctors, pharmacists, and a non-medical person to help us keep to plain language. We also discuss our information with specialist health professionals or groups when needed