Keytruda Coupons & Prices

Keytruda FAQs

How much does Keytruda cost without insurance?

Without insurance coverage, the average cost of Keytruda is $11,202.91 for 2, 4ML of 100MG/4ML Vial. However, as a drug with limited distribution that’s typically administered in a hospital or clinical setting, Keytruda is not available to purchase directly from a pharmacy. The cost of one infusion of Keytruda will depend on various factors, such as the dosage of Keytruda and the fee for the doctor’s visit to administer the drug. SingleCare offers a Keytruda coupon that may reduce the price to as low as $11,299.02 for 2, 4ml of 100mg/4ml Vial if it’s accepted where you receive the medication.

How much does Keytruda cost with insurance?

Your copay for Keytruda with insurance will vary depending on your plan and the hospital or clinics where you get your infusion. However, Keytruda may be covered by your health insurance as a medical benefit rather than a prescription drug benefit. Ask the clinic or hospital where you receive Keytruda infusions whether they will accept a SingleCare Keytruda coupon. In some cases, using a SingleCare coupon might offer better savings than your insurance plan for various drug treatments. 

Does Medicare cover Keytruda and how much does it cost?

Keytruda is usually not covered under Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans, but it may be covered under Medicare Part B as a medical benefit. Ask the clinic or hospital where you receive Keytruda infusions if they will accept a SingleCare Keytruda coupon. For those without coverage or looking for more savings, SingleCare offers a Keytruda coupon that could lower the costs, potentially offering more savings than Medicare.

Is there a generic of Keytruda?

Keytruda is a brand-name prescription drug with the active ingredient, pembrolizumab. A generic version is not available at this time.

What is Keytruda?

Keytruda is an FDA-approved, brand-name prescription drug that’s given as an intravenous injection for cancer treatment. It treats a number of cancers alone or with other drugs:

• Inoperable metastatic melanoma, a cancer of the pigment cells. Metastatic means that cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

• Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer is the most common form of lung cancer.

• Hodgkin's lymphoma or large B-cell lymphoma that has not responded to other treatments—both are cancers of lymphocytes, the white blood cells that fight off infections.

• Inoperable or metastatic renal cell carcinoma, a cancer of the small tubes in the kidney that eventually spreads throughout the kidney.

• Inoperable or metastatic squamous cell (skin cell) carcinoma of the head and neck that has spread to the rest of the body.

• Cancer of the lining of the bladder (urothelial carcinoma) in patients who are not candidates for other chemotherapies.

• Hepatocellular carcinoma, a cancer of the liver

• A certain type of colorectal cancer and other cancers involving unstable genetic material in the cancer cells.

• Advanced or metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare form of skin cancer.

By targeting and blocking the PD-L1 protein, Keytruda helps the immune system identify and fight cancer cells more effectively. It works by boosting the body's immune response against cancer cells. The drug attaches to PD-L1 proteins on cancer cells, preventing them from hiding from the immune system, thereby allowing immune cells to recognize and destroy them. This targeted action helps manage the disease with a focus on the immune system's natural capabilities.

Keytruda is administered by a healthcare provider as an intravenous infusion. Keytruda must be diluted before administration and given alone, especially before any chemotherapy scheduled on the same day. The infusion usually lasts 30 minutes and is usually administered every three or six weeks.

What are the side effects of Keytruda?

Side effects are possible with Keytruda. Common side effects of Keytruda reported by patients include:

• Fatigue

• Skin rash

• Muscle, bone, or joint pain

• Cough

• Fever 

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

• Nausea

Keytruda can also lead to more severe side effects, such as immune system reactions affecting organs like the lungs, liver, endocrine glands, and intestines. Serious adverse effects include lung, intestinal, liver problems, kidney problems, and skin problems. For example, Keytruda can cause the immune system to attack the skin, causing severe skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis, both potentially fatal conditions that may require hospitalization. 

Keytruda may also cause tumor lysis syndrome, a condition caused when a large number of dead cancer cells spill their contents into the bloodstream. This produces an electrolyte imbalance in the body, which can cause kidney problems or kidney failure. Symptoms include high blood potassium, low blood calcium, heart problems, and seizures.

Consult your healthcare provider for medical advice on other possible side effects, drug interactions, and warnings.

How long do people usually stay on Keytruda?

Treatment duration may range from a few months to several years. Some patients might receive Keytruda as part of a short-term treatment plan, whereas others might use it as a long-term maintenance therapy to keep cancer in check. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider are recommended to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and make adjustments as needed. Always consult your doctor or oncologist to determine the recommended duration of your Keytruda therapy based on your medical condition and treatment goals.

Keytruda alternatives

While Keytruda is an effective treatment for many patients, there are alternatives available for those who may not respond well to it or who experience significant side effects. Alternatives include other immune checkpoint inhibitors, chemotherapy, targeted therapy drugs, and radiation therapy, depending on the type of cancer and its stage.

Other immune checkpoint inhibitors that might be considered include Opdivo (nivolumab), Tecentriq (atezolizumab), and Yervoy (ipilimumab). These medications also work by helping the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Discuss all possible treatment options with your healthcare provider to determine the best option for your situation.