Keytruda vs Opdivo
A side-by-side look at two oncology medications advertised on TV. Informational only — not medical advice.
| US Keytruda | US Opdivo | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | pembrolizumab | nivolumab |
| Drug class | PD-1 Inhibitor (Immunotherapy) | PD-1 Inhibitor (Immunotherapy) |
| Treats | Multiple cancers | Multiple cancers |
| Category | Oncology | Oncology |
| Manufacturer | Merck | Bristol-Myers Squibb |
| Year approved | 2014 | 2014 |
| FDA warning | Moderate warnings | Moderate warnings |
| Est. TV ad spend | $260M | $150M |
| Common side effects | Immune-related side effects, Fatigue, Rash, Diarrhea | Immune-related side effects, Fatigue, Rash, Diarrhea |
Frequently asked questions
Is Keytruda or Opdivo better?
Neither is universally "better." Keytruda (pembrolizumab) and Opdivo (nivolumab) are both used for oncology, but the right choice depends on your medical history, insurance and your doctor's guidance. This comparison is informational only.
What's the difference between Keytruda and Opdivo?
Keytruda is a PD-1 Inhibitor (Immunotherapy) made by Merck, while Opdivo is a PD-1 Inhibitor (Immunotherapy) made by Bristol-Myers Squibb. See the table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
Which one spends more on TV ads?
Keytruda has the larger estimated TV advertising budget of the two.