Pembrolizumab, which is a monoclonal antibody, belongs to a class of medications called immune checkpoint inhibitors. It works by blocking a certain protein in the body to boost your immune system for attacking cancer cells. It is a type of targeted therapy to treat many types of cancer, including but not limited to breast cancer, cervical cancer, oesophageal cancer, endometrial cancer, gastric cancer, head and neck cancer, liver cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma, melanoma, skin cancer, lung cancer, kidney cancer, and urothelial cancer.
Pembrolizumab is injected intravenously. The usual dose is either 200 mg every 3 weeks OR 400 mg every 6 weeks used as a monotherapy or combination therapy. The usage may be adjusted based on clinical judgement.
Common side effects of Pembrolizumab include fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, decreased appetite, diarrhea, nausea, rash, fever, cough, dyspnea, constipation, pain, and abdominal pain.
Common dosing schedule:
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Some common medications Pembrolizumab may interact with:
In Hong Kong, Pembrolizumab is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Pembrolizumab in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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