Anyone on Keytruda or Opdivo

[donocco]

The PD-1 inhibitors stimulate the immune system by preventing
the PD-1 protein from binding to receptors in the T-Cells. Its a control mechanism. You need T-Cell immunity to survive but if it becomes too active, you get autoimmune diseases like Lupus Erythymatosis, Hashimotot's thyroiditis etc etc. Some medications can induce Lupus, the two big names are Procainamide (for abnormal heart rythym) and Hydralazine (to treat high blod pressure).

The side effects you are hearing are drug induced autoimmune side effects like Autimmune Colitis and Autoimmune Hepatits. These are serious but not that common. If they occur the Opdivo,
Kaytruda whatever can be discontinued and high dose Prednisone or equivalent can be given for awhile. I wouldnt underestimate these side effects but you have to be careful not to overestimate them. A lot of the drug info put out by the drug companies is legal protection. They will mention any and every side effect possible to avoid being sued. The autoimmune colitis is real but not that common.

In the PDR info for Opdivo the incidence of auto-
immune colitis requiring steroid treatment was 2.2% The incidence of auto immune hepatitis was about 1% although maybe 20% of patients had a significant rise in liver enzymes. A rise in liver enzymes is not necessarily serious but the doctor will watch the patient closely

The common Opdivo side effects are rash, prurutis, cough, peripheral edema, dizziness and others.

Paul