Compare Keytruda vs. Opdivo
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
- Keytruda (pembrolizumab)Opdivo (nivolumab)
- Keytruda (pembrolizumab)Opdivo (nivolumab)
Summary of Keytruda vs. Opdivo
Summary for PD-1 inhibitorPrescription onlyKeytruda (pembrolizumab) is an immunotherapy medication that’s used to treat many different types of cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), breast cancer, and melanoma. This medication turns on your immune system so it can attack cancer cells. It's given as an intravenous (IV) infusion at a medical office or infusion center. Sometimes, Keytruda (pembrolizumab) can cause side effects, like diarrhea, rash, and trouble breathing, that might need to be treated with corticosteroids. Depending on the cancer, your treatment plan can consist of Keytruda (pembrolizumab) by itself or with other anticancer therapy.
Summary for PD-1 inhibitorPrescription onlyOpdivo (nivolumab) is used for treating many different types of cancer, such as melanoma, lung cancer, and Hodgkin lymphoma. Depending on the cancer, this medication is given by itself or with other therapies. Opdivo (nivolumab) is an intravenous (IV) infusion that’s administered at a medical office or infusion center. The medication turns on your immune system to fight cancer so it’s considered immunotherapy. It can sometimes cause side effects, like rash, diarrhea, and breathing problems, that might need treatment with corticosteroids.
Indications of Keytruda vs. Opdivo
Indications forCertain types of:
•Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)•Renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer)•Endometrial carcinoma (uterine cancer)•Cancers with high tumor mutation burden (TMB-H), high microsatellite instability (MSI-H), or deficient mismatch repair (dMMR)Indications forCertain types of the following cancers:
•Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)•Pleural mesothelioma (cancer of the lining of the lungs)•Renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer)Pros and Cons of Keytruda vs. Opdivo
Pros and Const for PD-1 inhibitorPros•Recommended first-choice treatment for many types of cancers under certain situations•Less likely to cause nausea, vomiting, and hair loss (side effects that are common with traditional chemotherapy)•Given every 3 or 6 weeks, depending on the treatment plan•Uses your own immune system to attack cancer cellsCons•Given as an injection through the veins•Might cause immune-related side effects like diarrhea, rash, and lung problems•Though rare, can cause infusion reactions•Might require you to take a break from treatment and take a corticosteroid to manage side effectsPros and Const for PD-1 inhibitorPros•Less likely to cause nausea, vomiting, and hair loss, which are common side effects of traditional chemotherapy•Each infusion lasts about 30 minutesCons•Given as an injection through the veins•Might cause immune-related side effects like diarrhea, rash, and lung problems•Might require treatment breaks and additional corticosteroids to manage side effectsCommon Side Effects of Keytruda vs. Opdivo
Common Side Effects for•Higher blood sugar (52%)•Anemia (43%)•Higher liver enzyme levels (up to 33%)•Electrolyte changes in blood (up to 31%)•Lower white blood cells (30%)•Tiredness (25%)•Lower appetite (17%)•Trouble breathing (17%)•Cough (16%)•Rash (15%)•Diarrhea (12%)•Constipation (12%)•Nausea (12%)Common Side Effects for•Tiredness (59%)•Higher blood sugar levels (46%)•Muscle or bone pain (42%)•Anemia (low red blood cell count; 41%)•Low white blood cell count (41%)•Rash (40%)•Diarrhea (36%)•Nausea (30%)•Higher liver enzyme levels in blood (up to 29%)•Cough (28%)•Lower appetite (22%)•Vomiting (20%)Warnings of Keytruda vs. Opdivo
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 unborn babyPrices with our coupons for Keytruda vs. Opdivo
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