Keytruda vs Opdivo
A side-by-side look at two oncology medications advertised on TV. Informational only — not medical advice.
Maintained by TVPills Editorial Team · Site updated November 4, 2026 (not a product-label review)
| Attribute | US Keytruda | US Opdivo |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | pembrolizumab Unverified catalogue summary (Generic name) for Keytruda in US; not checked against current local product information. | nivolumab Unverified catalogue summary (Generic name) for Opdivo in US; not checked against current local product information. |
| Drug class | See official local label Unverified catalogue summary (Drug class) for Keytruda in US; not checked against current local product information. | See official local label Unverified catalogue summary (Drug class) for Opdivo in US; not checked against current local product information. |
| Treats | Multiple cancers Unverified catalogue summary (Treats) for Keytruda in US; not checked against current local product information. | Multiple cancers Unverified catalogue summary (Treats) for Opdivo in US; not checked against current local product information. |
| Category | Oncology Unverified catalogue summary (Category) for Keytruda in US; not checked against current local product information. | Oncology Unverified catalogue summary (Category) for Opdivo in US; not checked against current local product information. |
| Manufacturer | MSD International Business GmbH (manufactured for Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC) Unverified catalogue summary (Manufacturer) for Keytruda in US; not checked against current local product information. | Bristol-Myers Squibb Unverified catalogue summary (Manufacturer) for Opdivo in US; not checked against current local product information. |
| Year approved | — Unverified catalogue summary (Year approved) for Keytruda in US; not checked against current local product information. | — Unverified catalogue summary (Year approved) for Opdivo in US; not checked against current local product information. |
| Catalogue warning level | Safety summary withheld — check official label Unverified catalogue summary (Catalogue warning level) for Keytruda in US; not checked against current local product information. | Safety summary withheld — check official label Unverified catalogue summary (Catalogue warning level) for Opdivo in US; not checked against current local product information. |
| Est. TV ad spend | $260M | $150M |
| Side effects and serious risks | — Unverified catalogue summary (Side effects and serious risks) for Keytruda in US; not checked against current local product information. | — Unverified catalogue summary (Side effects and serious risks) for Opdivo in US; not checked against current local product information. |
Sources and editorial standards
Use the current DailyMed labels to verify approved uses, boxed warnings, and side effects for each medication. Label results can differ by product, strength, and formulation.
Page updated November 4, 2026; the linked resources have not necessarily been reviewed on this date.
Frequently asked questions
Is Keytruda or Opdivo better?
This directory does not compare clinical effectiveness or safety. Listing Keytruda and Opdivo together does not establish shared approved indications, equivalence or suitability as substitutes. Consult the correct local labels and your prescriber.
What's the difference between Keytruda and Opdivo?
The table shows catalogue identification and estimated advertising information for Keytruda and Opdivo, not a verified medical comparison. Medical descriptions, mechanisms and safety summaries are withheld.
Which one spends more on TV ads?
Keytruda has the larger estimated TV advertising budget of the two.