I had my first immunotherapy ( pembrolizumab) session a week and a half ago.Feel ok and at the moment have no worrying side affects other than a couple of headaches and some fatigue, but recently I have noticed under both my feet I have peeling skin. Neither is at all red or sore. I have been plastering them and my whole body with the correct cream. Should I be concerned about this?
Hi Emmie4
Thank you for contacting Macmillan Cancer Support. My name is Hilary, one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialist’s on the Macmillan Support Line.
I’m sorry to read that you are being troubled with peeling skin under both your feet. I see that at the moment it is neither red or sore. However, one of the rare side effects of Pembrolizumab can be a severe skin reaction that can lead to peeling of the skin.
You can read about this here at the top of the rare side effects section. This can escalate and has the potential to become serious and could be life threatening. We always recommend that for any new, changing or worsening symptoms that you contact your 24 hour chemotherapy helpline and report the symptoms without delay.
Please do give them a call as soon as possible.
If there is anything else we can help you with please feel free to get back in touch.
Best wishes
Hilary,
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
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