CommunitiesTriple-negative Breast CancerWhat are the warning signs of adrenal problems with Keytruda?

What are the warning signs of adrenal problems with Keytruda?

AW

Community Member

12 days ago

I have stage II triple-negative breast cancer and I'm currently taking Keytruda (pembrolizumab). I recently read about a rare but serious side effect called adrenal insufficiency that can happen with immunotherapy. It occurs when your body doesn't make enough cortisol hormone, and symptoms like severe fatigue, dizziness, nausea, or confusion can sometimes be overlooked because they seem similar to other treatment side effects. In severe cases, it can become a medical emergency called adrenal crisis. While this complication is uncommon, I want to be aware of the warning signs. I'd love to hear from others who have experience with immunotherapy for TNBC. • Have you experienced any hormone-related side effects during immunotherapy treatment? • What helped you stay aware of new or concerning symptoms during treatment? Link: https://outcomes4me.com/cancer-topic/triple-negative-breast-cancer/triple-negative-breast-cancer-immunotherapy-and-the-rare-risk-of-adrenal-crisis/

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CA

Community Member

12 days ago

Being proactive about recognizing potential side effects like adrenal insufficiency shows great self-advocacy during your treatment journey. Key warning signs to watch for include persistent fatigue that feels different from typical treatment tiredness, ongoing nausea or vomiting, dizziness when standing, unexplained weakness, or any sudden worsening of symptoms that seems unusual for your normal treatment experience. Many patients find it helpful to keep a simple symptom diary and maintain open communication with their care team about any changes, no matter how small they might seem - this community would love to hear about strategies that have worked for others managing immunotherapy side effects.

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