Compare Imfinzi vs. Keytruda
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Imfinzi (durvalumab) and Keytruda (pembrolizumab) are both immunotherapy medications used to treat various types of cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and liver cancer. They work by helping your immune system attack cancer cells, but they belong to different medication classes. Imfinzi is a programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitor, while Keytruda is a programmed death-1 (PD-1) inhibitor. Imfinzi is typically given every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the cancer type, and is often used with other treatments like chemotherapy. Keytruda is usually given every 3 or 6 weeks and can be used alone or with other therapies. Both medications are given as intravenous infusions. Imfinzi can cause side effects like fatigue, rash, and hair loss, while Keytruda can lead to other immune-related side effects like diarrhea and rash. Both medications can cause serious immune-related side effects and infusion reactions, so it's important to report any new symptoms to your care team. Imfinzi is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and you should use birth control during treatment and for 3 months after stopping. Keytruda also requires birth control during treatment and for 4 months after stopping.
- Imfinzi (durvalumab)Keytruda (pembrolizumab)
- Imfinzi (durvalumab)Keytruda (pembrolizumab)
Summary of Imfinzi vs. Keytruda
Summary for PD-L1 inhibitorPrescription onlyImfinzi (durvalumab) is an immunotherapy medication used to treat several types of cancer, including lung cancer, bladder cancer, liver cancer, and endometrial cancer. It's given as an intravenous (IV) infusion by a healthcare professional, usually every 2 to 4 weeks depending on the treatment plan. The medication is also often used together with other anticancer medications. Common side effects include tiredness, cough, and nausea.
Summary for PD-1 inhibitorPrescription onlyKeytruda (pembrolizumab) is an immunotherapy medication. It helps treat many different kinds of cancer. This can include lung cancer, breast cancer, and melanoma. It works as a PD-1 inhibitor to turn on your immune system and help it attack the cancer better. Keytruda (pembrolizumab) is given as an infusion through the vein at a medical center or clinic. It's given either every 3 weeks or every 6 weeks, depending on your treatment plan. Side effects can include tiredness, diarrhea, rash, and trouble breathing. Your cancer treatment might be just Keytruda (pembrolizumab), or it might be given with other cancer therapies.
Indications of Imfinzi vs. Keytruda
Indications for•Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)•Small cell lung cancer (SCLC)•Advanced or metastatic bile duct cancer•Liver cancer when surgery isn't an option•Advanced endometrial cancer•Muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC)•Stomach cancer that can be removed with surgeryIndications forCertain types of:
•Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)•Renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer)•Endometrial carcinoma (uterine cancer)•Squamous cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer)•Cancers with high tumor mutation burden (TMB-H), high microsatellite instability (MSI-H), or deficient mismatch repair (dMMR)Pros and Cons of Imfinzi vs. Keytruda
Pros and Const for PD-L1 inhibitorPros•Used for multiple cancer types•Only need one infusion every 3 to 4 weeks•Can be combined with other treatmentsConsPros and Const for PD-1 inhibitorPros•Recommended first-choice treatment for many types of cancers under certain situations•Given every 3 or 6 weeks, depending on the treatment plan•Less likely to cause nausea, vomiting, and hair loss than traditional chemotherapyCons•Given as an injection through the vein•Might cause immune-related side effects like diarrhea, rash, and lung problems•Might need to take a break from treatment and take a corticosteroid to manage some side effectsCommon Side Effects of Imfinzi vs. Keytruda
Common Side Effects for•High blood sugar (52%)•Low calcium levels (46%)•Low white blood cell count (43%)•Cough (40%)•Rise in liver enzymes (up to 39%)•Lung inflammation (34%)•Fatigue (34%)•Low sodium levels (33%)•High potassium levels (32%)•Upper respiratory tract infections (26%)•Shortness of breath (25%)•Rash (23%)Note: Side effects above were reported in people with NSCLC who took Imfinzi (durvalumab) alone
Common Side Effects for•High blood sugar (52%)•Anemia (43%)•Higher liver enzyme levels (up to 33%)•Low sodium levels (31%)•Low white blood cell count (30%)•Low calcium levels (25%)•Tiredness (25%)•High potassium levels (23%)•Low phosphate levels (20%)•Lower appetite (17%)•Trouble breathing (17%)•Cough (16%)•Rash (15%)•Diarrhea (12%)•Nausea (12%)•Constipation (12%)Warnings of Imfinzi vs. Keytruda
Common Side Effects for•Immune-related side effects•Infusion-related reactions•Complications from stem cell transplants•Harm to unborn babyCommon Side Effects for•Immune-related side effects•Infusion-related reactions•Complications from stem cell transplants•Harm to an unborn babyPrices with our coupons for Imfinzi vs. Keytruda
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