Knowing what to expect on your first treatment day - and what to prepare in advance - makes the whole experience considerably easier. Here is a practical guide to the steps before your first home pembrolizumab visit.
Before the day: blood tests and clinical sign-off
Baseline blood tests are arranged before your first cycle. These establish your starting values for the markers monitored throughout treatment: liver function, thyroid function, full blood count, kidney function, and glucose. Your oncologist reviews these results and formally signs off treatment to proceed. You will be notified that your blood tests are satisfactory before the visit is confirmed.
If you take any medications that could interact with pembrolizumab - particularly immunosuppressant drugs or systemic corticosteroids - your oncologist will review these before your first dose. Do not stop any medication without discussing it with your clinical team first.
On the day: what to have ready
Your home needs to provide a comfortable space for the visit - typically a chair or sofa where you can sit for 45-60 minutes with easy access to your upper arm or thigh. The nurse brings all clinical equipment; you do not need to provide anything medical.
- Have a list of your current medications to hand - the nurse will document these
- Note any symptoms or concerns since your clinical assessment, so you can mention them at the start of the visit
- Wear clothing with easy access to the upper arm (the most common injection site for the first visit)
- Have water available - staying hydrated before and after is helpful
- You can eat and drink normally before the visit; there is no fasting requirement
What to expect from the nurse
Your nurse will introduce themselves, confirm your identity and consent, and take baseline observations before the injection. After the injection, they will remain with you for the monitoring period, complete their clinical documentation, and talk through the signs to watch for before your next cycle. They will confirm the date of your next visit and give you the contact details for the clinical team in case of concerns between visits.
After the visit
Most patients feel normal immediately after the injection. Some experience mild fatigue, a slight reaction at the injection site, or a brief period of feeling tired in the days following. These are common and usually minor. Your clinical team will have given you written information on symptoms that warrant contacting them before your next scheduled check-in. Keep this accessible.
Not yet started the process?
The eligibility check is the first step. It takes three minutes and an oncologist reviews it within 24 hours.
Check your eligibility