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I have an absolutely awful side effect after my infusion. I get the tremors and get freezing cold and a bit nauseous. This lasts about 6 hr.

A MyMelanomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Port Elizabeth, ZA

Stage 4 metastatic melanoma. Started the Keytruda per infusion at the beginning of February.
Does anyone else get this ?
I dread going for the infusion because of this 😢😢

May 18
 · 
Reactions
A MyMelanomaTeam Member

Hello Marion, I'm so sorry to hear of your side effects. I have not taken Keytruda. But I am stage 4 Metastatic Malignant Melanoma. I'm over two years out from being diagnosed. I could only take four infusions of Opdivo and Yervoy because of the side effects. So far so good, are there bumps in the road for me? Yes, my immune system has over reacted many times giving me issue with eyesight, itching of skin on my back, and kidneys. All were able to be resolved to be managable. The most important part is for you to keep in contact with your Drs. and let them know of your changes and issues so they can help you. Good luck to you, try to keep a PMA, positive mental attitude. Jim2

May 28
MyMelanomaTeam

What you're experiencing — tremors, chills, and nausea after a Keytruda infusion — sounds really rough, and it's completely understandable to dread something that makes you feel that way. You are definitely not alone in this.

These are known as infusion-related reactions, and they happen because the immune system can Show Full Answer

What you're experiencing — tremors, chills, and nausea after a Keytruda infusion — sounds really rough, and it's completely understandable to dread something that makes you feel that way. You are definitely not alone in this.

These are known as infusion-related reactions, and they happen because the immune system can overreact to the drug. Symptoms can include:

- Chills and shaking/tremors
- Fever
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Flushing
- Itchy skin or rash
- Shortness of breath

Some people experience these reactions during the infusion, while others feel them hours or even days later. The most important thing is to tell your oncology team about what's happening before your next infusion. They may be able to:

- Pre-medicate with anti-nausea medication or other drugs to reduce the reaction
- Slow down the infusion rate
- Monitor you more closely during and after treatment

Please don't suffer through this silently — your care team needs to know so they can help make treatment more manageable. Dreading infusions can affect your overall wellbeing, and there are options to help. 💙

May 18

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