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Compare Tagrisso vs. Keytruda

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

  • Tagrisso (osimertinib)
    Keytruda (pembrolizumab)
  • Tagrisso (osimertinib)
    Keytruda (pembrolizumab)

  • Summary of Tagrisso vs. Keytruda

    Summary for Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Tagrisso (osimertinib) is taken by mouth to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It’s only used when the tumor has a specific change (mutation) in the EGFR gene, which can be detected with a certain test. It’s convenient to take because you take it by mouth, but it can have some side effects such as acne-like rash, diarrhea, and changes in heart rhythm.

    Summary for PD-1 inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Keytruda (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.

  • Indications of Tagrisso vs. Keytruda

    Indications for
    •

    Metastatic NSCLC with specific EGFR mutations as initial treatment or in those no longer responding to other oral EGFR inhibitors

    •

    NSCLC with specific EGFR mutations (given after surgery to remove the entire tumor)

    Indications for

    Certain types of:

    •Melanoma
    •Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
    •Head and neck cancer
    •Hodgkin lymphoma
    •Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma
    •Bladder cancer
    •Colorectal cancer
    •Stomach cancer
    •Esophageal cancer
    •Liver cancer
    •Biliary tract cancer
    •Renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer)
    •Cervical cancer
    •Endometrial carcinoma (uterine cancer)
    •Triple-negative breast cancer
    •Merkel cell carcinoma
    •Squamous cell skin carcinoma
    •Cancers with high tumor mutation burden (TMB-H), high microsatellite instability (MSI-H), or deficient mismatch repair (dMMR)

  • Pros and Cons of Tagrisso vs. Keytruda

    Pros and Const for Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) inhibitor
    Pros
    •Works in a more specific, targeted way than traditional chemotherapy
    •Works on certain cancers after other medications don’t work anymore
    •Taken by mouth, so good for people who don’t like needles
    Cons
    •Often causes an itchy, acne-like rash on the face and upper body
    •Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
    •Often causes diarrhea, but usually mild
    Pros and Const for PD-1 inhibitor
    Pros
    •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 cells
    Cons
    •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 effects

  • Common Side Effects of Tagrisso vs. Keytruda

    Common Side Effects for
    •Low white blood cell count (up to 65%)
    •Low platelets (53%)
    •Low red blood cells (47%)
    •Diarrhea (47%)
    •Acne-like rash (45%)
    •Muscle aches/pain (36%)
    •Nail changes (33%)
    •Dry skin (32%)
    •Mouth blisters and pain (26%)
    •Fatigue (21%)
    •Cough (20%)
    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%)

  • Warnings of Tagrisso vs. Keytruda

    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious lung problems
    •Serious heart problems
    •Eye problems
    •Serious skin problems
    •Serious blood problems
    •Harm to unborn baby
    Common Side Effects for
    •Immune-related side effects
    •Infusion-related reactions
    •Complications from stem cell transplants
    •Harm to unborn baby

  • Prices with our coupons for Tagrisso vs. Keytruda

    Learn more about Tagrisso
    Learn more about Keytruda

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