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 a type of immunotherapy called an immune checkpoint inhibitor. It's used to treat a variety of cancers, such as certain types of lung cancer, liver cancer, bile duct cancer, and endometrial cancer. Imfinzi (durvalumab) is often given along with other immunotherapy or chemotherapy medications. Imfinzi (durvalumab) is infused into the veins by a trained member on your oncology team. It's usually given every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the type of cancer. Imfinzi (durvalumab) can cause rare, but serious immune-related side effects including rash, breathing problems, and diarrhea.
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):•NSCLC that can be removed by surgery (with chemotherapy before surgery, or alone after surgery)•NSCLC that can't be removed by surgery (after platinum-based chemotherapy and radiation)•Metastatic NSCLC without EGFR or ALK mutations (with Imjudo (tremelimumab) and platinum-based chemotherapy)•Locally advanced or metastatic biliary tract cancer (with gemcitabine (Gemzar) and cisplatin (Platinol))•Advanced liver cancer (with Imjudo (tremelimumab))•Advanced endometrial cancer (with certain chemotherapy medications)Indications 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•Possible treatment option for various cancers, including NSCLC, biliary tract cancer, and liver cancer•Lasts a long time in the body, so only need one infusion every 3-4 weeks•Uses your own immune system to attack the cancerCons•Commonly causes fatigue and rash•Can cause rare but serious immune-related side effects•Might require additional treatment to manage immune-related side effectsPros 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•Higher blood sugar levels (52%)•Lower blood calcium levels (46%)•Lower white blood cell counts (43%)•Cough (40%)•Higher liver lab tests (up to 39%)•Trouble breathing and symptoms of lung inflammation (34%)•Feeling very tired (34%)•Lower blood sodium levels (33%)•Higher blood potassium levels (32%)•Sore throat, runny nose, and other symptoms of colds and sinus infections (26%)•Trouble catching your breath (25%)•Rash (23%)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 adverse events•Infusion-related reactions•Stem cell transplant complications•Harm to the 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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