Tips and other resources to help you during treatment with KEYTRUDA
Receiving treatment may affect how you feel. You may feel more tired, or you may not feel like eating very much. While everyone’s experience may differ, the video and additional tips below may help you manage your health. For more tips, talk to your health care team, or contact a representative with the KEY+YOU Patient Support Program at 85-KEYTRUDA (855-398-7832) and press 2 for additional patient support.
Related topics
Tips while taking KEYTRUDA
Nurse:
Hi, I’m Jane Arboleda, oncology nurse. I’m here to share some helpful tips while taking the immunotherapy medicine called KEYTRUDA, also known as pembrolizumab.
Male Narrator:
KEYTRUDA is a prescription medicine used to treat certain types of cancers, including a kind of skin cancer called melanoma. It may be used when your melanoma has spread or cannot be removed by surgery, which is known as advanced melanoma.
Nurse:
If your doctor prescribes KEYTRUDA, it will be given into your vein through an intravenous line called an IV over 30 minutes.
Male Narrator:
In adults, KEYTRUDA is usually given once every 3 or 6 weeks. Your doctor will decide how often and how many treatments you need. Talk to your doctor about the treatment schedule that is right for you.
Nurse:
Infusions usually take place at your oncologist’s office or an infusion clinic, and taking care of your health between visits is very important. KEYTRUDA is not chemotherapy or radiation—it’s a different type of medicine called immunotherapy.
Make sure to tell any doctor or nurse that you take or have taken KEYTRUDA before they treat you. You know yourself best. Pay close attention to your mind and body while you’re on treatment with KEYTRUDA. Track how you are feeling and speak up if anything seems different. Consider noting things like your emotions and how your body is feeling.
Always contact your oncologist and get medical treatment right away if you feel different or have a side effect that bothers you or does not go away.
This may help keep side effects from becoming more serious. Your nurses, oncologist, and the rest of your cancer care team want to hear from you.
Contact them anytime, even between visits, when you feel something out of the ordinary so they can help you manage possible side effects and stay on treatment. You don’t have to go through treatment alone.
No matter who supports you, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s asking for help with day-to-day tasks, going to appointments, or just needing someone to be there to listen to you, know that it’s okay to reach out for help. The sooner you speak up, the better.
No matter who you feel comfortable talking to, it’s important to speak up when you need help and be sure to tell your health care team about any potential side effects that you may be feeling.
Male Narrator:
KEYTRUDA can cause your immune system to attack healthy parts of your body during or after treatment. This may be severe and lead to death.
See your doctor right away if you have cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, diarrhea, severe stomach pain, severe nausea or vomiting, headache, light sensitivity, eye problems, irregular heartbeat, extreme tiredness, constipation, dizziness or fainting, changes in appetite, thirst, or urine, confusion, memory problems, muscle pain or weakness, fever, rash, itching, or flushing.
There may be other side effects. Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, including immune system problems, if you’ve had or plan to have an organ or stem cell transplant, received chest radiation, or have a nervous system problem.
Nurse:
So remember, tell any doctor or nurse that you take or have taken KEYTRUDA. Track how you are feeling and speak up if anything seems different. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The sooner you speak up, the better.
Male Narrator:
For additional support throughout treatment, visit keytruda.com.
Please read the Medication Guide for KEYTRUDA, and discuss it with your doctor. The physician Prescribing Information also is available. Select links to access.
Additional tips
Speak up if you feel something
If you have any changes in the way you feel, it’s important to discuss those changes with your health care team.
- Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
- Getting medical treatment right away may help keep these problems from becoming more serious.
Pay attention to diarrhea and nausea
For mild diarrhea:
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, dairy, fat, fiber, orange juice, prune juice, and spicy foods.
- Drink lots of water and other clear liquids. Eat small, frequent meals.
- Always ask your health care team for more tips on what to do about diarrhea.
For nausea:
- Instead of 3 large meals a day, eat 6 to 8 snacks.
- Eat dry foods such as crackers or dry cereal.
- Avoid hot, spicy foods and stay away from foods that are overly sweet or greasy.
- Drink or sip clear liquids frequently.
- Ask your health care team about other ways you may be able to handle nausea.
Eat healthy foods
Nutrition is important for everyone. But if you are receiving treatment, there are even more reasons to eat a healthy diet. When you eat well, it may give you more strength. Your health care team may have more suggestions for how to eat healthier.
- Eat at least 2½ cups of fruits and vegetables daily.
- Limit high-fat foods such as those from animal sources.
- Keep different types of protein-rich snacks on hand, such as low-fat yogurt or hearty soup.
- Avoid salty foods.
Cope with feeling tired
Most people who are receiving treatment feel tired. To help you feel less tired, try these tips. Ask your health care team for more ideas.
- Eat healthy foods. This may help keep you strong and maintain your weight.
- Take it easy and rest if you need to.
- Ask for help when you need it. Talk to your health care team, friends, and family.
Try to stay active
When you are receiving treatment, you may not always feel your best. However, exercise may help lessen some of your symptoms, including fatigue and nausea. Before you start a new exercise program, talk to your health care team.
- Talk to your health care team about your goals.
- Start slowly with an activity such as walking, especially if you haven’t been active for a while.
- Try short periods of exercise. Rest often and drink lots of water.
- Have fun by doing the things you enjoy.
- Speak with your health care team about trying something different. And always remember to speak with your health care team before making any additions or changes to your exercise routine.
Patient support throughout your treatment
Patients who have been prescribed KEYTRUDA for an approved indication can access additional support from KEY+YOU, the patient support program for KEYTRUDA. KEY+YOU helps eligible patients by offering educational resources and support information throughout treatment.
Starting treatment with KEYTRUDA?
If you’ve recently been prescribed KEYTRUDA, the quick start guide for KEYTRUDA gives you step-by-step information to help you prepare for your treatment, become familiar with possible side effects, and more.
Scan QR code for iOS and Android*
Open your phone’s camera app and hold your device so that the QR code appears in the viewfinder in the camera app. Tap the notification to open the link.
* Some Android phone cameras do not support QR code scanning and will require you to download a third party QR scanning app.