personally no but only been on Keytruda a couple of months. I have however heard from many it’s a common side effect and if you ask your team they will surely prescribe you something
Yes I am on Keytruda and feel the joint pain. I was worrying what was causing it so it's almost a relief (in the nicest possible way) to hear that others get this.
My first few cycles were in the coldest months and found my teeth were really sensitive to the cold air. Even breathing was like eating ice cream.
That's now sorted likely due to the warmer weather. But yes i get painful knees and hips and sometimes elbows.
I find it's worst for the first week of the cycle then goes. It hasn't been that bad for me. I was going to get scans done and then mention it to my oncologist if it continued.
So far I've just used paracetamol as and when and ensured I do not get cold. I've always had slightly painful hips and it took me years to realise that the secret is to not let my feet get cold and this would stop my hips from aching. Random I know but for me, I can assure you it works!
Like Nel says, if you need something stronger speak to your oncologist or GP to get something prescribed.
I have been taking Keytruda since January 2020 and at first just experienced heavy legs, but now getting aches and pains in parts of my whole body. I think it is increased inflammatory which Keytruda is known for. I use, as already mentioned, paracetamol as and when, but I have to say, my pain since my 10th infusion appears less sever, so fingers crossed, it continues to get better.
I hope the aches get better and if not discuss with your team, as I am sure they will be able to advise you about suitable medication.
take care and good luck
“ Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning “ (Albert Einstein)
I I have only had one treatment and I can't really complain, as compared to the chemo the side effects so far are minimal. Just the joint pain which isnt too bad, and tightness and pain in my chest when breathing. I have conatcted the nurse to see if there is anything | can get for that.
Nel & Debs, I had swollen finger joints & knees when on pembrolizumab after about five or six treatments. That was Spring last year, as I had suffered from that about 15 years ago I was told it was a recurrence. However, a couple of months later arthritis was listed as a known side effect. I was told to talk paracetamol but as I take aspirin that was not possible. The arthritis was really just a bit annoying in the mornings for a short while until I got my joints moving. Within about a month or so it started to abate and after a couple months cleared up altogether.
Because Keytruda was & still is such a new treatment not all side effects are listed, particularly if they are uncommon. The reactive arthritis side effect did not start being reported in the medical press until end 2018. So when I experienced this in 2019 it was not widely recognised.
With good wishes & kind thoughts to you & and all in this particular corner of the community.
Well I ended up in a COVID screening ward overnight! I’ve come home with a combined inhaler and antibiotics. The oncologist thinks it’s the enlargement of my tumour that’s causing the tightness and pain which is worrying
