Keytruda & Fatigue: What helps decrease fatigue?

Hi @abob, several members have mentioned dealing with fatigue on Keytruda like @lizfuller @pml @jolloyd51 @margitdill and others. Also see this related discussion:

- Loss of appetite and fatigue after 10 weeks on Keytruda https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/loss-of-appetite-and-fatigue-after-10-weeks-on-keytruda/

Sounds like this fatigue is quite debilitating. Has he talked about possible solutions with his oncologist? Is a treatment holiday a possibility?

Thanks. He has been dealing with GI issues since starting chemo, continuing thru Keytruda. The fatigue prior treatment and now this last treatment. We will speak to oncologist prior to next treatment.

I am concerned about giving up Keytruda bc something seems to found each pet scan - adrenal gland light up which went away, then “focus” light up on lung, and just now light up on liver. He is scheduled for abdomen MRI.

Please be careful and have the oncologist monitor the Keytruda. Keytruda caused my husband to have pleural effusion at 700 in his left lung and 300 in his right lung. He's been off Keytruda for a year now.

If there’s a provider you can access acupuncture helps with cancer treatment fatigue and fogginess. My insurance recognizes that and pays 20 visits a year. Call your insurance to inquire and seek a referral.

I took Keytruda five years ago for a metasis in my thigh (?) from an earlier lung cancer. After I took three infusions (is that about 10 weeks) I got colitis. Well the colitis could not be stopped as it is a known side effect which can happen to a very small percent of the population. Had to be hospitalized in hopes of controlling the 15 times a day diarrhea. Then picked up c diff in the hospital. The pain to my stomach - from the Keytruda - had me on around the clock morphine for about 4 weeks. Keytruda is a pretty serious drug and I recommend keeping yourself monitored about how and in which ways it can be affecting you. The doctors did find a drug to help the colitis - budinisone or such - and the pain in the stomach lifted and I went home very weak and thin. Couldn't eat the whole time so lost 30 pounds - had gotten ulcers on my duodeum. But I will say the cancer was eliminated. I was always fatigued from taking the Keytruda and accompanying chemo - could barely brush my teeth, shower, etc. Hard getting up from the toilet - if you can imagine. Very weak. The Keytruda web site says if Keytruda turns on you it is after the third infusion. About 10 weeks in. So keep an eye on yourself and definitely discuss with your oncologist. It's still a new drug - hope this helps!

Thx. Husband had gi issues with chemo, now continuing with Keytruda too. Keytruda fatigue just started, with 13th infusion.

Hi @dulcist, How is your husband doing now? Is he off all treatments?

Hi. Would discuss with oncologist to see if he could take some time off from the Keytruda until he gets his strength back, if he finds this new fatigue troubling. My thoughts anyway. Keytruda has a long half life, something like 2 months or more before it is basically out of one's system. Also would check the Keytruda website for side-effects and see what they recommend. The oncologist may have a better answer for him however. Best of luck!