WHAT IS THIS MEDICINE AND WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
Pembroxim contains pembrolizumab that works by blocking a protein called
PD-1 on the surface of immune cells, releasing the 'brakes' that cancer cells
use to hide from the immune system. This allows the body's own T-cells to
recognise and attack cancer cells.
Pembroxim and Panacer are both generic versions of Keytruda — clinically
equivalent medicines used for exactly the same cancer indications. These
include non-small cell lung cancer, melanoma, head and neck cancers, bladder
cancer, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, colorectal cancer with MSI-H/dMMR
features, triple-negative breast cancer, oesophageal cancer, gastric cancer,
liver cancer, biliary tract cancer, classical Hodgkin lymphoma, and others.
3. HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE
Given as a slow intravenous (IV) infusion over 30 minutes in a hospital
or cancer centre. Standard schedules are 200mg every 3 weeks or 400mg every 6
weeks. The dose and schedule are determined by your oncologist based on your
cancer type and treatment plan. This is never a self-administered medicine.
Before each infusion, report any new symptoms — however unrelated they
may seem to your cancer — to your care team.
⚠ PATIENT TIP: Pembroxim and Panacer are the
same medicine. If you have been switched from one to the other, let your
oncology team know. Do not receive both in the same treatment cycle. Always
carry written information stating that you are on pembrolizumab immunotherapy —
this is critical if you ever need emergency care from a team who does not know
your treatment history.
4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
|
How Common? |
Side Effects |
|
Very common |
Fatigue, rash,
diarrhoea, nausea, decreased appetite, joint or muscle aches, cough |
|
Immune-Related Side
Effects — can affect any organ |
Pneumonitis (lung),
colitis (bowel), hepatitis (liver), endocrinopathies (thyroid, adrenal,
pituitary glands), nephritis (kidneys), skin reactions, myocarditis (heart
muscle) |
|
Serious — Seek Urgent
Help |
Any rapidly worsening
new symptom affecting any organ. Immune-related reactions can escalate
quickly — early steroid treatment dramatically improves outcomes. Go to
A&E if symptoms are severe or your team cannot be reached promptly. |
5. WHO SHOULD NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE
Requires careful assessment in patients with active autoimmune conditions
and organ transplant recipients. Contraindicated in pregnancy — use effective
contraception during treatment and for 4 months after the last dose.
⚠ BRAND EQUIVALENCE: Pembroxim and Panacer both
contain pembrolizumab 100mg and are clinically equivalent. Do not receive both
in the same treatment cycle.
⚠ IMMUNE-RELATED REACTIONS CAN OCCUR AFTER
TREATMENT ENDS: Immune-related side effects can develop weeks to months after
the last infusion. Continue to report any new symptoms to your oncology team
even after treatment has finished.
⚠ WARNINGS: Including irAE recognition, 24/7
oncology contact, steroid treatment protocols, and contraception requirements.
6. MEDICINES THAT INTERACT WITH THIS TREATMENT
Systemic corticosteroids for irAE management are compatible. High-dose
prophylactic corticosteroids before infusion may reduce efficacy. Always inform
all healthcare providers of pembrolizumab immunotherapy.
7. HOW TO STORE THIS MEDICINE
Store in a refrigerator at 2–8°C. Do not freeze or shake. Protect from
light. Single-use vial. Prepared infusions should be used within the stability
window specified by hospital pharmacy.
8. PRESCRIPTION REQUIREMENT
|
Field |
Details |
|
Status |
Prescription Only
Medicine (POM) — Specialist (oncology) prescription required; biomarker
testing (PD-L1, MSI status) may be required prior to initiation |
9. GUIDANCE FOR PATIENTS & CAREGIVERS
Attend all infusion appointments. Report any new symptom between sessions
to your oncology team without delay. Tell every doctor and emergency care
provider that you are on immunotherapy. Use effective contraception during
treatment and for 4 months after your last dose. Stay alert to new symptoms
even after treatment ends.
10. PHARMACIST & PRESCRIBER NOTES
|
Field |
Details |
|
Clinical Dispensing
Notes |
Pembroxim is a generic
equivalent of Keytruda — same active ingredient and clinical profile as
Panacer (entry 138). Confirm no concurrent
Panacer administration in the same cycle. All irAE education, monitoring
(TSH, LFTs, creatinine, FBC, blood glucose before each cycle), biomarker
confirmation, cold chain (2–8°C, no freeze/shake), embryo-fetal toxicity
counselling, and steroid treatment protocol guidance from entry 138 apply
without exception. Reinforce persistence of immunological activity post-last
dose at every dispensing. |
11. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What should I tell the A&E team if I need emergency care?
Tell them immediately: 'I am receiving pembrolizumab immunotherapy for
cancer.' This changes how they investigate and treat any symptoms you present
with — many immunotherapy-related reactions require steroid treatment rather
than standard management.
Q: Can immune-related reactions happen after my last infusion?
Yes — this is an important point. The immune system can remain activated
for weeks to months after the last pembrolizumab infusion. New symptoms can
develop after treatment has ended. Report anything unusual to your oncology
team even after you have finished your treatment course.
Q: Do I need blood tests before every infusion?
Yes — thyroid function, liver function, kidney function, blood count, and
blood sugar are typically checked before each cycle to detect any
immune-related organ effects early. Do not skip these tests.