Keytruda (pembrolizumab)

Targeted Conditions

Keytruda is FDA-approved to treat a wide range of cancers, including:

  • Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
  • Melanoma
  • Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)
  • Classical Hodgkin lymphoma
  • Urothelial carcinoma (bladder cancer)
  • Gastric (stomach) cancer
  • Cervical cancer
  • Esophageal cancer
  • Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)
  • Endometrial carcinoma
  • Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
  • Merkel cell carcinoma
  • Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
  • Biliary tract cancer
  • Renal cell carcinoma
  • MSI-H or dMMR solid tumors (regardless of origin)

Off-Label Usage

Keytruda may be used off-label in certain rare tumor types or as part of clinical trials when conventional therapies have failed. However, such uses require close supervision by an oncologist and institutional approval.

Drug Classification Overview

Keytruda is a monoclonal antibody classified as an anti-PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor. It works by blocking the PD-1 pathway, helping the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. It is part of a new class of immunotherapies known as immune checkpoint inhibitors that have changed the standard of care for many cancer types.

Manufacturer in the USA, Mexico, and Canada

USA: Merck & Co., Inc.
Mexico: Merck Sharp & Dohme de México, S.A. de C.V.
Canada: Merck Canada Inc.

Available Strengths and Dosage Forms – United States, Mexico, and Canada

Country Comparison – United States vs Mexico and Canada

  • Keytruda is available in all three countries; however, access and cost vary widely.
  • Canada and Mexico typically offer the same branded formulation at significantly lower costs.
  • Cold chain shipping and oncology-specific handling are required in all cases.

Average Retail Price (Monthly Treatment) USA vs Mexico vs Canada

Canada: ~30–40% savings compared to U.S. retail price
Mexico: ~25–35% savings compared to U.S. retail price

(Savings may vary depending on availability, controlled access, prescription requirements, and cold chain shipping.)

Where to Buy USA

  • CVS Specialty Pharmacy
  • Walgreens Specialty
  • Onco360
  • Optum Specialty
  • Cardinal Health Oncology
  • Costco
  • Walmart
  • Rite Aid
  • Kroger
  • Publix
  • Sam’s Club
  • Target (via CVS Pharmacy)
  • Online mail-order specialty care pharmacies

Availability may vary depending on insurance plans, pharmacy networks, and oncology center access.

Storage Requirements

  • Keytruda must be stored under refrigerated conditions (2°C to 8°C / 36°F to 46°F) and protected from light.
  • Do not freeze or shake.
  • This medication requires strict cold chain handling and must be administered by a licensed healthcare professional.

Shipping from Canada

This medication is accessed through fully licensed Canadian pharmacies regulated by Health Canada. All pharmacies included in the MedicalMex network undergo a rigorous review and verification process to ensure compliance with national standards, patient safety, and medication authenticity.

MedicalMex facilitates:

  • Prescription verification and fulfillment coordination
  • Secure, compliant medication logistics
  • Access to licensed Canadian pharmacists
  • Access to our network of certified physicians if a Telehealth consultation is needed
  • Case management, payment handling, and personalized boutique-level support
  • Cold chain shipping with next-generation temperature-monitored coolers, when required
  • Refill tracking and patient adherence programs

Buying from Mexico

This medication is also available through certified pharmacies in Mexico regulated by COFEPRIS (Mexico’s national health authority). All partners in the MedicalMex network must pass a rigorous review and certification process before being approved for patient access.

MedicalMex facilitates:

  • Transportation support to our affiliate clinic in Tijuana, Mexico
  • Prescription handling through licensed physicians within our certified network
  • Access to our network of accredited physicians if a Telehealth consultation is needed
  • Travel coordination, including flights and/or hotel reservations when required
  • Travel insurance
  • Cold chain shipping with advanced temperature-monitored coolers, when applicable
  • Personalized, boutique-level service
  • Refill tracking and patient adherence support

Key Benefits

  • Proven survival benefit in multiple cancer types
  • Immunotherapy with fewer side effects than chemotherapy
  • Can be used alone or in combination with other treatments
  • Approved for biomarker-based use (e.g., PD-L1, MSI-H, TMB-H)
  • Administered once every 3 or 6 weeks depending on indication
  • Widely recognized as a cornerstone of modern oncology care

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

  • Fatigue
  • Rash
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Cough
  • Joint pain
  • Fever

Serious risks may include:

  • Immune-mediated reactions (pneumonitis, hepatitis, colitis, endocrinopathies)
  • Infusion-related reactions
  • Risk of organ inflammation due to immune system activation
  • Severe or life-threatening autoimmune reactions (rare)

All patients should be monitored by an oncologist familiar with immune checkpoint inhibitor management.

Warnings and Precautions

  • Should only be administered under the care of an oncology specialist
  • Use with caution in patients with autoimmune conditions
  • May cause immune-related inflammation of lungs, liver, colon, thyroid, pituitary, or kidneys
  • Can affect pregnancy or fertility — not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • May need to be discontinued if severe immune-related side effects occur
  • Regular lab monitoring and imaging may be required

Alternative Medications (by Indication)

Opdivo (nivolumab)
Tecentriq (atezolizumab)
Imfinzi (durvalumab)
Yervoy (ipilimumab)
Targeted therapies (e.g., EGFR, ALK, BRAF inhibitors)
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Clinical trials with novel immunotherapies

Medication FAQs

Keytruda is used to treat various cancers by helping the immune system target and destroy cancer cells. It’s approved for multiple cancer types including lung, melanoma, bladder, and more.
No. It is an immunotherapy that stimulates the body’s immune system rather than directly attacking cancer cells like chemotherapy.
It is administered via intravenous (IV) infusion by a healthcare provider, typically every 3 or 6 weeks depending on the treatment protocol.
Yes. MedicalMex can help coordinate safe access through licensed and certified pharmacies in both countries, including cold chain shipping and support.
Yes. It requires refrigeration and strict temperature control during shipping and storage. MedicalMex handles all cold chain logistics with advanced coolers.
Yes. A valid prescription from a licensed oncologist is required to obtain Keytruda.
Yes. Canada and Mexico typically offer Keytruda at approximately 25–40% savings compared to U.S. retail pricing.
Yes. We work with uninsured or underinsured patients to access lower-cost treatment through Canada or Mexico, including help with logistics and prescription coordination.
No. We coordinate access, logistics, and support through licensed providers but do not offer medical advice or treatment directly.