People stop taking KEYTRUDA primarily due to adverse reactions (side effects) experienced during treatment. While there can be other reasons for discontinuation, such as disease progression or completion of a treatment course, adverse reactions are a notable cause for patients to permanently discontinue the medication.
Adverse Reactions Leading to Discontinuation
Clinical studies have shown that a significant percentage of patients discontinue KEYTRUDA treatment because of side effects. For instance, in a study involving patients with stage III melanoma, a substantial portion of participants permanently stopped taking KEYTRUDA due to adverse reactions.
Specifically, in the KEYNOTE-054 study where KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) was given as a single agent to patients with stage III melanoma, 14% of the 509 patients discontinued treatment permanently due to adverse reactions.
The most common adverse reactions that led to patients stopping KEYTRUDA (occurring in 1% or more of patients) included:
- Pneumonitis: An inflammation of the lung tissue. This occurred in 1.4% of patients.
- Colitis: Inflammation of the colon. This was observed in 1.2% of patients.
- Diarrhea: Frequent, loose, or watery bowel movements. This affected 1% of patients.
These adverse reactions highlight the importance of careful monitoring during KEYTRUDA treatment. Patients experiencing severe or persistent side effects may need to stop the medication to ensure their safety and well-being. Healthcare providers work closely with patients to manage side effects, but discontinuation becomes necessary if the reactions are unmanageable or pose a significant health risk.
For more detailed information on KEYTRUDA, including its full prescribing information and potential side effects, you can refer to reputable sources such as Merck's official communications on the drug: Merck Newsroom.
