Weight gain on Keytruda?

[tennis4two]

I was wondering if anyone out there has gained weight on Keytruda. I have been on it for just over a year now and seem to be gaining steadly. Last time I gained weight like this is when I was first diagnosed. I feel great so other symtoms, so was thinking maybe Keytruda was the reason.

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

The Merck website lists weight gain as a possible side effect. It is listed under possible Hormone gland problems. Do bring this up to your oncologist. It may or may not be something that can be managed easily. Best to not let it go though. keytruda.com/side-effects/

[tennis4two in reply to Denzie]

Thank you. I will do that

[Kaylee20]

Yes I have also gained quite a bit of weight. I started on Keytruda September 2019 and am still on it. My weight in September 2019 was 145 and now I weight 170. My weight came on within two months of starting Keytruda. I have now stayed within five pounds of 170 since about November 2019. I feel wonderful also. I guess I don't mind the weight thought because I have extra pounds in reserve lol if I do start getting sick and can't eat. Karen in Minnesota

[tennis4two in reply to Kaylee20]

Thank you Karen, very helpful. I guess I just worry about anything these days.

[Kaylee20 in reply to tennis4two]

Oh I so understand that worry also lol

[TomAnderson]

Not that it will be much help but I've been on Keytruda for a little less than one year and initially gained a little weight but then lost that and then some. I chalked that up to start infusions in late October and inactivity in the winter months.

[tennis4two in reply to TomAnderson]

Thank you for responding. I just need to enjoy life and stop the worry

[TomAnderson in reply to tennis4two]

That's the best prescription! Especially if the Keytruda is working. I went from Stage IV NSCLC to N.E.D. in about ten months so it really does work.

[tennis4two in reply to TomAnderson]

I also am stage IV NSCLC and N.E.D. so I guess small price to pay. But was just worried it was growing again.

[TomAnderson in reply to tennis4two]

Good for you. Congratulations! How often do you get scanned? That should spot anything out of the ordinary. My scans caught a second form of cancer early enough that it was successfully removed surgically.

[tennis4two in reply to TomAnderson]

Well not really sure but 3-4 months I guess.

[Ollie13]

Hi 3 years ago diagnosed with lung cancer 3b. Pembrolizumab (keytruda) was the 1st treatment offered to me I put on quite a lot of weight but felt better my oncologist didn'tseem to worry. 10 months later it was stopped due to immunotherapy colitis but it had done its job. So don't worry about weight gain as long as you feel good within yourself. However if you have any worries contact your team. Good luck on your journey ❤

[Jenniferroseolson]

I am taking Opdivo, which is very similar to Keytruda. I have been steadily gaining weight also. My oncologist isn’t worried about it, but I already struggle with fatigue and imagine the extra weight that I have to carry around is not helping that! I also take a maintenance dose of prednisone due to adrenal insufficiency, which also makes it nearly impossible to lose any weight even if I tried very hard. I do think oncologists like the extra weight in general—losing weight is a greater concern, I believe.

[448690 in reply to Jenniferroseolson]

Hi Jennifer. I’m also on Opdivo and have gained about 25 - 30 pounds. I also blame the steroids I have been put on in the past. Like you I also take a steroid for adrenal insufficiency. I have been speaking with a dietician and I’m going to start water therapy to see if that will help kick start an exercise program. I’m only 5 feet so at 155 pounds that’s a lot to carry around and I don’t want any other health problems because of weight. I was just put on a high dose of prednisone for lung inflammation, so right now I feel like a bowling ball. I’m finding the weight gain is very depressing on top of everything else but I guess we soldier on.