Key takeaways
Libtayo (cemiplimab) and Keytruda (pembrolizumab) are both programmed death-1 (PD-1) pathway inhibitors used to treat certain types of cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and squamous cell skin carcinoma. They work by helping your immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. However, they have some differences. Libtayo is specifically approved for certain skin cancers and NSCLC, while Keytruda is approved for a wider range of cancers, including melanoma, breast cancer, and more. Libtayo is given as a 350 mg intravenous (IV) infusion every three weeks, whereas Keytruda can be given as either a 200 mg IV infusion every three weeks or a 400 mg IV infusion every six weeks, depending on your treatment plan. Both medications can cause immune-related side effects like rash, diarrhea, and trouble breathing. Neither medication is available as a generic. It's important to follow your prescriber's instructions and report any side effects you experience.
