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836 pembrolizumab
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Information leaflet on pembrolizumab treatment
This leaflet provides information on a treatment known as
pembrolizumab. It will explain what this is and when and
how it will be given. It will also tell you about common side
effects that you may experience. Contact telephone
numbers and details of how to obtain further information on
this treatment are given at the end of the leaflet.
What is pembrolizumab?
Pembrolizumab is an artificially made antibody which
attaches itself to cancer cells and stops them from growing.
It is not chemotherapy. It is a new drug which is currently
unlicensed. We will explain what an unlicensed drug is
below.
Why am I having this treatment?
Your doctor has prescribed this treatment because it has
been found to be effective in treating your type of cancer. It
can be used when other treatments have stopped working.
How often will I receive this treatment?
For the treatment to be most effective it is usually given
once every three weeks. It will be given for as long as your
doctor feels you will be benefiting from the treatment, but
will not be given for more than two years. Your doctor will
discuss with you how long you will have your treatment for.
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How will my treatment be given?
Your treatment is given through a drip into a vein in the back
of your hand or arm. Alternatively it may be suggested that
a fine tube called a PICC is inserted into a large vein in your
upper arm. This line can remain in place for the whole of
your treatment. Your doctor or nurse will explain this in
more detail.
We have a leaflet that tells you more about PICC lines.
Please ask if you would like a copy.
How long will I be in hospital?
You should be prepared to spend 1 – 2 hours at the hospital
for your first treatment, and approximately 1 hour for the
following treatments.
You are welcome to bring someone to stay with you during
your treatment. Space is limited in the waiting areas and
treatment room so there is not usually room for more than
one person. Treatment areas are not suitable for young
children.
How often will I see the specialist team?
You will usually see the specialist team every 3 weeks.
Your team will let you know how often they will see you.
You will have regular blood tests and we will check how you
are feeling and discuss any problems you may have. This is
so we can check how the treatment is affecting you.
What are the possible side effects?
There are many possible side effects with this treatment we
have described the main side effects below. However as
this is a new drug there maybe some side effects which are
rare. If you feel unwell and are unsure if it is related to this
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treatment please contact Velindre. The doctor, nurses and
pharmacists can give you advice or answer any questions
you may have.
If you are admitted to another hospital, you must inform
the doctors and the nurses that you are taking
pembrolizumab. It is possible you could be having an
immune reaction and should be started on steroids. The
doctors and nurses need to contact Velindre Cancer
Centre for advice. They can either telephone the
chemotherapy pager or speak to your oncologist.
Hair loss
This treatment should not cause hair loss.
Tiredness and fatigue
This treatment may make you feel more tired than usual. It
is important to listen to your body and rest if you need to,
but carry out your normal activities if you feel able. Some
people find it beneficial to take gentle exercise as well as
rest.
Skin reactions
Some people experience a skin reaction with
pembrolizumab. This may cause a rash which is dry and
itchy and cause mild discomfort. For a small number of
people this reaction may be more severe. A severe rash
would affect a large part of your body, may be painful and
may become infected. If your skin is dry you can try using a
moisturising cream. If you develop a severe rash you can
contact us or your GP for advice.
Effects on your bowels
This treatment has been known to cause either constipation
or diarrhoea.
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 If you experience constipation it is important that you
increase the amount of fluids you drink. You may need
laxatives. You can speak to us or your GP for advice.
 If you experience diarrhoea it is important that you drink
plenty of fluids. Medication is available to control
diarrhoea. If you have 4 or more bowel movements in
24 hours above what is normal for you please contact
Velindre Cancer Centre immediately. The telephone
number is on page 7.
Sickness
Nausea and vomiting are uncommon these days as we will
give you anti-sickness medicines which are usually
extremely effective. If you are sick more than once in 24
hours despite taking regular anti-sickness medicine when
you are at home after your treatment, contact Velindre
Cancer Centre for advice. The telephone number is on
page 7.
Fluid retention
You may experience fluid retention which can result in
swelling of your ankles and legs. Rarely this can result in
breathlessness because of fluid on the lungs. Please tell
your doctor or nurse if this is a problem.
Myalgia (pain in the muscles)
Some patients may experience myalgia which is muscle or
joint pain. If you already have painkillers at home you may
find they relieve the pain. If this does not work please
contact Velindre Cancer Centre. The telephone number is
on page 7.
Effects on your thyroid hormone
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Pembrolizumab may either increase or decrease the level of
thyroid hormone. We will be monitoring this regularly with
blood tests. If your thyroid hormone is increased, you may
feel more anxious and have difficulty sleeping, have hot
flushes or have a fast heart beat and feel very tired. If your
thyroid hormone is decreased you will feel tired, feel the
cold easily, you may put on weight and become constipated.
Other side effects
A small number of people may experience lung problems
following pembrolizumab treatment. If you develop a dry
cough or notice that you are short of breath please tell us at
your next hospital visit.
Some patients may find that this treatment can affect your
vision.
You may get headaches whilst on this treatment. Try taking
whatever painkillers you would normally take. If these do
not work please contact Velindre Cancer Centre or your GP
for advice.
It is important you do not become pregnant or father a child
whilst having this treatment as it could damage the unborn
baby.
Rarely people on this treatment may experience shortness
of breath. This is more likely if you have an existing lung
problem. If you wish to discuss this further please speak to
your doctor.
A small number of patients may find that they have a
reduced ability to fight infection.
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Sometimes cancer drugs can have very serious side effects
which rarely can be life threatening. It is important to inform
Velindre cancer centre if you are concerned about any sideeffects.
A diagnosis of cancer can increase your risk of developing a
blood clot (thrombosis), and having cancer treatment may
increase this risk further. It is important to tell your doctor
immediately if you have symptoms such as pain, redness
and swelling in your leg, or breathlessness and chest pain.
Blood clots can be very serious. However, most clots can
usually be successfully treated with drugs to thin the blood.
Your doctor or nurse can give you more information
Manufacturer’s patient information leaflets
Velindre leaflets provide information about very common
and common side-effects: for more information regarding
the less common side-effects please refer to the
manufacturers patient information leaflets, obtained from
Velindre pharmacy and/or on the internet at
www.medicines.org.uk. Sometimes patients may find these
leaflets difficult to read however. Please ask if you would
like a copy from your doctor or from Velindre pharmacy
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Contact telephone numbers
Velindre Cancer Centre
029 2061 5888
Ask for the chemotherapy pager if you are unwell at home
and need immediate attention at any time of the day or
night.
Pharmacy department
029 2061 5888 ext 6223
Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm for queries about your
medicines
Tenovus freephone
0808 808 1010
cancer helpline
7 days a week 8am – 8pm for general queries on cancer
This leaflet was written by health professionals. The
information contained in this leaflet is evidence based. It
has been approved by doctors, nurses and patients. It is
reviewed and updated every 2 years.
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Prepared August 2014
Reviewed February 2016
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