Keytruda User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)
Keytruda has an average rating of 5.0 out of 10 from a total of 260 reviews on Drugs.com. 41% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 47% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Keytruda
- Ash...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- October 9, 2021
For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "Using a drug that eats healthy lung tissue on a lung cancer patient? How is this considered a miracle of modern medicine? It’s criminal. He would’ve lived longer if he was never treated at all. Stay away, the odds are not in your favor."
- Ms ...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- September 21, 2019
For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "I was diagnosed with NSCLC in January 2019. I have been on Keytruda ever since. No real side effects as of yet. Keytruda does affect other organs. I am taking hydrocortisone tablets, potassium levels low, to help with cortisol levels. This is serious in itself. When my sodium level was low, I got sodium water instead of my Keytruda infusion. Went back on every 3-week schedule. I have 2 tumors which have decreased in size by more than half, and a mass in my lower left lobe that has reduced as well, also in the pleural as well. I am due for another scan in 4 weeks. Will update with results."
Frequently asked questions
- What is the success rate of Keytruda?
- How long does it take for Keytruda to work?
- What are Monoclonal Antibodies and how do they work?
- Pembrolizumab vs. nivolumab: How do they compare?
- mrs...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- August 20, 2017
For Melanoma, Metastatic "I received Keytruda for about 20 months for metastatic melanoma. After the first infusion, we noticed that the visible spots on my back had gotten lighter in color and softer. After over a year of scans that revealed that Keytruda was working for me, a lymph node in my chest began growing. A PET scan revealed that the spots on my back had been killed by the medication, and it had also destroyed a number of small nodules in one lung. But the lymph nodes in my chest were positive. My oncologist believes that my cancer has mutated, and Keytruda stopped working. Side effects were mild. Some mild fatigue, and at the beginning, a very fine itchy rash that was not annoying at all. I just wish it had worked for me a little longer."
- Wid...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- November 26, 2020
For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "My husband never had another good day after receiving one treatment with Keytruda. Both his mental and physical faculties began an immediate and dramatic decline, and within two weeks he had passed away. Do not let your doctor talk you into taking this drug! It will rob you of your loved one before death ultimately takes him/her. The pharmaceutical companies and the doctors are mostly interested in their bottom lines and clearly don't care about the cruelty they inflict on their patients and their patients' families. Just say NO to Keytruda!"
- Anonymous
- August 24, 2017
For Head and Neck Cancer "I personally do not advise Keytruda to anyone. I had a loved one walk into the oncologist to receive this treatment, and three weeks later she was wheeled back into the oncologist's office, unable to walk, her body was falling apart thanks to this atrocious treatment. Five weeks have gone by, and she is currently laying in a hospital bed in the middle of her living room, unresponsive, and is thought to pass away within the next three days. Please keep loved ones away from it."
- Ups...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- November 10, 2018
For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "My mom tested as PD-L1 70, and Keytruda was used to treat. Immediately after her second infusion, her muscles were affected, sore, and swollen. Her heart started to beat erratically, then shortness of breath. After five days of doctors treating her with steroids, then having no idea what to do or how to treat her, she passed away-while suffering. No cancer was present via CT scans performed the day before she passed."
More FAQ
- What is the difference between Opdivo and Keytruda?
- How is Keytruda used for lung cancer?
- Can you take prednisone with Keytruda?
- When is Keytruda used for prostate cancer?
- Kou...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- October 1, 2020
For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "So I wish I would have found this website before my mother had this treatment, this medicine. The horrible thing is that I'm convinced it brought my mother's life to an end. She was doing great before the treatment, and literally the day after she had her first treatment, she went completely downhill, and within 3 months, passed. One month before my daughter is to be born. I wish I never would have given her the treatment. It will always be in the back of my mind 'what if she didn't take it,' she would still be here to see her granddaughter be born."
- Sis...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- March 31, 2019
For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "My father started taking Keytruda and had a massive heart attack after 2 treatments. He had stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer but had extensive testing within the prior year on his heart, and it was in perfect shape prior to Keytruda. He passed away several months later."
- Alp...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 13, 2020
For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "As the 2nd treatment began, I noticed major fatigue, went for a walk, and my blood sugar was 1000. I was not diabetic, but as a result of treatment, I spent a week in the ICU and now I’m a type 1 diabetic. Most people do well with the drug and see real benefits, for me, I’m not sure if I’ll continue given my reaction."
- nrs...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- December 23, 2020
For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "My husband had a tiny lung cancer nodule in his lung, had 2 weeks of radiation and 3 chemo infusions. The doctors recommended Keytruda every 3 weeks for a year. He had one dose on a Friday, by Sunday, he could barely breathe, and any activity caused his oxygen % to go way down. I had to call 911, and he was hospitalized for a week, including the ICU. Home 4 days and hospitalized again - they tried steroids and more. We heard the term ground-glass opacities, and I firsthand saw his x-ray! We were never told about this 10% side effect of pneumonitis and death. He died Nov 12 on 18 liters of oxygen. He suffocated! We should have been told about this, and with the other info online (breathing problems - having side effects from other meds), he should not have been given it. Yes, I am very angry - there are too many people dying from the med. I had to give a 1, but it was not related to effectiveness."
- Edd...
- May 19, 2018
For Urothelial Carcinoma "My husband died right after the second dose. After the first dose, he suffered very badly for the next three weeks. He told the RN he was in pain, but she sent him for the next dose, and the very next morning he had severe pain all over, especially in his back. I read every comment here before my husband started Keytruda, but I wish I could understand this medication better. Now I know what this medication did to my husband. He lost his voice and couldn't sit, walk, talk, and he was just crying and asking what was going on? Why is this happening to me? Your loved ones could die worse than a death by cancer from cancer."
- Sni...
- January 17, 2021
For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "My husband died on Keytruda. His immune system was severely altered. The side effects caused severe damage to his colon and intestines. His counts were off the chart. He was given Bactrim and ended up with Stevens syndrome. He lost all the skin on his body and had sores in his mouth. He died of shock and heart failure. Please be careful with this drug. I know of another person who had terrible intestine problems and almost died."
- Way...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- December 28, 2023
For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "Keytruda saved my life. It did an excellent job fighting the numerous cancer tumors throughout my body. The most severe side effects for me were fatigue, itching, and pain. My 2-year treatment will be complete next month. I'm concerned about long-term side effects, but considering the alternative, I will deal with it."
- Anonymous
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- December 12, 2017
For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "Came highly recommended by doc, then 3 weeks later my mother passed away from this. The product does not work. Even the hospice doctor said only 17% of people get cured. DO NOT GET THIS! I THINK THE GOOD REVIEWS ARE FAKE!"
- Sue...
- December 2, 2020
For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "I was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in August 2018. I also had a small brain tumor and three lymph nodes “sparked.” The brain tumor was taken care of with radiation. Started chemo and Keytruda in September 2018. This drug has worked very well for me. The lung tumor size is now down by 80%, and the lymph nodes are clear. My oncologist stopped my Keytruda treatments in December. I had very few side effects, mainly my back itches like crazy at times. My last scan showed the tumor had grown a bit. I have resumed Keytruda and expect good results again. For me, the drug has worked exceptionally well. I wish it worked this well for everyone. I am 71, live by myself, and have a high quality of life."
- Nsc...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- May 2, 2022
For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "Was told in May 2021 I had stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Dr. started me on chemo (aggressive) and Keytruda. Went with this as I have no other health issues. Chemo was rough, I went through 5 of 6 treatments. Dr. advised that my blood counts were, in his words, 'really scary.' Been on Keytruda only every 3 weeks and feel much better than with chemo. All blood work is now good. Since the start of treatment, the main tumor is almost gone and no evidence of cancer anywhere else. I will stay on Keytruda another year and see where I end up then. I have no side effects besides my skin being a bit drier."
- 4JC...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- June 25, 2018
For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "Oncologist confirmed it caused a heart attack and severe pneumonitis. Watch your family member closely for shortness of breath or feeling like they are smothering. Side effects worse than chemo. Has now probably shortened life and diminished quality of life left. We were so excited and hopeful after being approved, now we are devastated. Never thought it would happen because the side effects are so 'rare,' but it did... after 2 treatments."
- Bro...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- December 8, 2018
For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "Husband with stage IV lung cancer died within one week of treatment #3 of Keytruda. He was 90% positive for the PDL1 marker. After 2nd treatment, he started a rapid decline. He died of a massive lung infection. I am devastated."
- Goo...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- March 16, 2018
For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "We were hopeful and optimistic as my mother did not desire chemo or radiation to fight her cancer. The same day she received her first dose, her heart began beating out of control. Had no family history of heart problems. Was admitted and died in the hospital nine days later. Personally believe this drug took her life away sooner than the cancer would have if untreated. Miserable but quick end."
- Pud...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- November 7, 2021
For Urothelial Carcinoma "My husband started Keytruda in June 2021. The first treatment landed him in ICU with severe adrenal insufficiency. 'They' said it was caused by a reduction in Prednisone, not the Keytruda. I knew better. I've been with him to all appointments and treatments since his cancer was diagnosed in 2014. When he had a biopsy and it was decided he was a candidate for Keytruda, the oncologist was elated. Prior to starting Keytruda, my husband was walking, talking, driving, and living a normal life despite cancer. Keytruda was hailed as a miracle drug because my husband had a rare genetic mutation that qualified him for Keytruda. He had four doses total, and each one made him so sick we were at the oncology office three times a week for fluids and whatever else they put in the saline bag. He started Keytruda in June 2021, and currently, he is lying in our living room dying under hospice care. The doctor dropped my husband and offered no explanation. I am heartbroken."
- Jus...
- August 4, 2017
For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "After the second dose, my brother started to have internal bleeding that never stopped until he died a week later. DO NOT use this drug, it pushes up your immune system to the level that it starts to attack all body and make a lot of damage to the healthy non-cancer-related cells. I hope they completely withdraw this drug from the market."
- baf...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- October 1, 2019
For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "Husband was diagnosed with stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer in April 2017, after heart surgery. Was put on it in the beginning, and I believe that this is the only thing keeping him alive. Never been sick or weak, no problem except hard to breathe at times."
- Con...
- April 12, 2019
For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "My husband has stage 4 NSCLC diagnosed in 2016. On March 31, 2018, he was diagnosed with a 5 cm tumor on his right frontal lobe of his brain, which was surgically removed. Dr. started my husband on Keytruda in May of 2018. All was going well until Nov 29, 2018, a brain scan showed 5 tumors on the dura lining around his brain, which is inoperable. He had radiation, which did get rid of the tumors for now. Dr. kept him on Keytruda. 6 weeks ago, after his Keytruda treatment, my husband got very weak, short of breath, and stayed in bed 95% of the time as he was so exhausted from doing nothing. 3 weeks later, he had another treatment of Keytruda and the same thing again: weakness, in bed all the time, and short of breath. Today, he was feeling much better but had to have his Keytruda again today. I will monitor him to see if this treatment kicks him down again. Does anyone have any advice? His oncologist states that Keytruda is the only thing keeping him alive right now."
- Sch...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- April 20, 2021
For Melanoma, Metastatic "Had stage 4 melanoma that presented in my scapular bone in June 2016. Operation to remove meant I lost some movement in my right arm. Six months later, it spread to the right femur bone and C3 in the neck. Started Keytruda in December 2016. Scan in March 2017 showed no evidence of any cancer. Four years later, living a normal life. Side effects minimal for the whole two years I was on treatment. Immune system kicked back into gear and did the job. Amazing drug as it doesn’t poison you like chemo. Highly recommend."
See also:
More about Keytruda (pembrolizumab)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
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- During pregnancy
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- FDA approval history
- Drug class: anti-PD-1 and PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies (immune checkpoint inhibitors)
- Breastfeeding
- En español
For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "My sister’s doctor talked her out of having chemo for her stage four lung cancer and into having Keytruda treatments. It did absolutely nothing for her, and the cancer spread like wildfire within a couple of weeks, to her liver, adrenal gland, and spine. She was admitted into the hospital for severe pain and died five days later. I am heartbroken and angry that her life was shortened by doing essentially nothing but gave her false hope in a totally ineffective drug. They might as well have given her a sugar pill. Keytruda needs to be taken off the market!!"