Has anyone had arthritic pain after treatment with Keytruda?

Posted by ebf @ebf, Feb 21, 2025

Late in April 2024, I was diagnosed with adenocarcenoma of the head of my pancreas. I had two infusions with Fulfironox before my genetic testing confirmed the cancer is related to my MSH 2 and MSI Highsnd a candidate for immunotherapy, Keytruda. Five infusions of Keytruda later, I was deemed to have had a complete response, but after treatment four I had begun experiencing hip and knee joint pain. After the 5th treatment, I became so “locked up” my husband took me to the ER. After the ER doc finally consulted with my oncologist, I was prescribed prednisone ( a shot in the ER) and a MedPak. This worked well, and a later visit with the oncologist resulted in a prescription for 10 mg per day. However, all my medical team members wanted me to reduce my dependence on the steroid. I very slowly weaned myself off but stiffness had returned and my hands are very swollen now. I read that many Keytruda users have experienced some pain post-treatment for three to six months. I am at four months. I am now going to PT and go to SilverSneakers exercise program twice a week. Any advice or suggestions from fellow survivors?

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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Mar 4, 2025

@ebf, I added your question to the Cancer: Managing Symptoms group as well. There are members who are taking Keytruda for other cancer types that may weigh in.

The stiffness and pain sound horrible. Given that you've had a complete respons regarding the tumor, have you stopped Keytruda treatments now? Weaning off prednisone can be challenging. When the stiffness and swelling returned did you increase the dose to the previous level and taper more slowly?

davidberry1 | @davidberry1 | Feb 3 12:16pm

Finished taking one year of Ketruda in early December 2025 for cancer (non-small cell) to the upper right lung. Was prescribed prednisone 10 mg later reduced to 5 mg daily. After two months slowly came off of prednisone. Now it’s February 2026 and I’m experiencing swelling and extreme joint pain to both wrists, hands and shoulders. Presently not on prednisone, also experiencing kidney issues.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Feb 17 10:27am

In reply to @davidberry1 "Finished taking one year of Ketruda in early December 2025 for cancer (non-small cell) to the..." + (show)

welcome, @davidberry1. Has your oncologist related the swelling and kidney issues as a late side effect of Keytruda? What has been suggested to reduce swelling, pain and kideny issues?