Pembrolizumab is now available as a subcutaneous injection - a formulation that has transformed the way immunotherapy can be delivered. If you are considering home-based treatment, understanding what a subcutaneous injection actually involves helps you know what to expect.
What subcutaneous means
"Subcutaneous" means under the skin. A subcutaneous injection delivers medication into the layer of fatty tissue just below the skin surface - the subcutaneous layer. This is distinct from intramuscular injections (into muscle) and intravenous infusions (into a vein). The subcutaneous route is already familiar to many patients: it is the same route used for insulin injections in diabetes management.
How it compares to intravenous pembrolizumab
The original formulation of pembrolizumab is given intravenously - through a drip running into a vein, over 30 minutes, in a hospital setting. The subcutaneous formulation delivers the same drug through a small injection under the skin, taking approximately two minutes. Clinical trials have confirmed that the subcutaneous and intravenous formulations achieve equivalent drug exposure in the body and comparable clinical outcomes. The faster administration and absence of need for IV access are key practical advantages of the subcutaneous route.
Where the injection is given
Subcutaneous pembrolizumab is typically given in the thigh or abdomen. The nurse selects and prepares the injection site. The needle used is short and fine - designed for subcutaneous tissue rather than a vein. For most patients, the injection is well tolerated, with mild momentary discomfort at the injection site. Some patients experience localised redness or swelling at the site, which typically resolves within a few hours.
What happens during a home visit
A home visit for subcutaneous pembrolizumab follows a structured protocol. The nurse arrives, conducts baseline clinical observations (blood pressure, pulse, temperature, oxygen saturation), reviews how you have been since the last cycle, prepares and administers the injection, and monitors you for a period post-injection. The total visit time is typically around 45-60 minutes - most of which is observation rather than the injection itself. The nurse documents the visit and communicates with the supervising oncologist as appropriate.
Curious about what a home visit actually looks like?
Walk through the process in detail on the Welcome Call. Start by checking your eligibility - it takes three minutes.
Check your eligibility