Compare Tagrisso vs. Keytruda
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Tagrisso (osimertinib) and Keytruda (pembrolizumab) are both medications used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but they belong to different medication classes and work in distinct ways. Tagrisso is an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor, taken orally, that targets specific mutations in the EGFR gene to stop cancer cells from growing. Keytruda, on the other hand, is a programmed death-1 (PD-1) pathway inhibitor given as an intravenous infusion, which helps your immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. While Tagrisso is specifically approved for NSCLC with certain EGFR mutations, Keytruda is used for a broader range of cancers, including NSCLC, melanoma, and breast cancer, among many others. Tagrisso is typically taken once daily, whereas Keytruda is administered every 3 or 6 weeks, depending on your treatment plan. Common side effects of Tagrisso include an acne-like rash and diarrhea, while Keytruda can cause immune-related side effects like high blood sugar, rash, and trouble breathing. Both medications have potential risks during pregnancy, so effective birth control is recommended while taking them.
- Tagrisso (osimertinib)Keytruda (pembrolizumab)
- Tagrisso (osimertinib)Keytruda (pembrolizumab)
Summary of Tagrisso vs. Keytruda
Summary for EGFR inhibitorPrescription onlyTagrisso (osimertinib) is a prescription tablet used to treat adults with certain types of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a specific mutation in the EGFR gene. It’s FDA approved for use in early-stage cases after surgery, as well as in advanced and metastatic stages. This medication is an EGFR inhibitor that helps slow the growth and spread of cancer cells. It’s typically taken once a day by mouth, with or without food. Common side effects include low blood cell counts, diarrhea, and rash.
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 Tagrisso vs. Keytruda
Indications forNon-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in adults with specific EGFR mutations, including:
•Early-stage NSCLC after surgery to remove the tumor•Advanced NSCLC that can’t be removed by surgery, if the cancer hasn’t gotten worse with platinum-based chemotherapy and radiation therapy•Metastatic NSCLC as the first treatment•Advanced or metastatic NSCLC as a first treatment taken together with pemetrexed and platinum-based chemotherapy•Metastatic NSCLC that’s longer responding to other EGFR inhibitorsIndications 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 Tagrisso vs. Keytruda
Pros and Const for EGFR inhibitorPros•Oral tablet taken once a day•Can be used to treat early and advanced stages of NSCLC•Works in a more specific, targeted way than traditional chemotherapyCons•Requires EGFR testing before use•Can cause skin and stomach-related side effects•Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeedingPros 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 Tagrisso vs. Keytruda
Common Side Effects for•Low white blood cell count (up to 65%)•Low platelet count (53%)•Low red blood cell count (52%)•Diarrhea (47%)•Skin rash (46%)•Muscle pain (38%)•Nail changes (34%)•Dry skin (32%)•Mouth sores (24%)•Tiredness (21%)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 Tagrisso vs. Keytruda
Common Side Effects for•Lung problems•Heart rhythm problem (QT prolongation)•Heart problems•Eye problems•Skin problems•Inflammation of the blood vessels in your skin•Blood and bone marrow problems•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 Tagrisso vs. Keytruda
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