Pembrolizumab
Pembrolizumab is an immunotherapy medication that works by blocking the PD-1 receptor on T cells, preventing tumor cells from using the PD-1 pathway to hide from the immune system. It is used to treat various cancers including melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma, bladder cancer, and head and neck cancers.
Pembrolizumab is a PD-1 inhibitor immunotherapy used to treat multiple types of cancer by helping the immune system recognize and attack tumor cells.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L01FF02
- RxNorm
- 1547545
- Generic
- Pembrolizumab
- Class
- atc-l01
- Brands
- Keytruda, Keytruda Qlex
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second third trimesteruse only if benefits outweigh risks
consider risks vs benefits carefully
fetal monitoring and assessment of maternal immune status
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding
do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 4 months after last dose
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderly 65 years and olderno dose adjustment required
use with caution due to increased risk of immune-related adverse events
close monitoring for adverse events
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
infants and young childrenweight-based dosing
approved for use in pediatric patients 6 months and older for certain indications including classical Hodgkin lymphoma and MSI-H solid tumors
monitor for immune-related adverse events
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild moderate severeno dose adjustment required
no starting dose adjustment needed but monitor renal function
monitor serum creatinine and renal function tests
hepatic_impairment
mild moderateno dose adjustment required
no starting dose adjustment needed but monitor liver function
monitor liver function tests including ALT AST bilirubin
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Initial FDA approval for pembrolizumab
Drug class
Pharmacological classification as immune checkpoint inhibitor
Common uses
Approved therapeutic indications
Mechanism of action
Pharmacodynamic mechanism
Used to treat melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, classical Hodgkin lymphoma, urothelial carcinoma (bladder cancer), head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, colorectal cancer, and other solid tumors that express PD-L1 or have specific genetic characteristics.
Pembrolizumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to the PD-1 receptor on T cells, blocking interaction with PD-L1 and PD-L2 ligands on tumor cells. This removes the brake on T cell activity, allowing immune cells to proliferate, produce cytokines, and attack cancer cells.
Administered as an IV infusion, typically every 3 or 6 weeks. Common side effects include fatigue, rash, diarrhea, and immune-related adverse events such as pneumonitis, colitis, and hepatitis. Requires monitoring for immune-mediated reactions and may need corticosteroids for management.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy