"Feb. 24, 2011 -- High-risk breast cancer patients continue to derive benefits from the drug Herceptin even four years after stopping treatment, but questions remain about the biologic therapy's safety when given with chemotherapy.
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
TRASTUZUMAB - INJECTION
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Herceptin
WARNING: See also Side Effects and Precautions sections.
Trastuzumab may lead to serious heart problems, including heart failure. The risk of heart problems is increased if you also use an anthracycline (e.g., doxorubicin). Your doctor may need to stop this medication if heart problems occur.
Trastuzumab use may sometimes result in a serious reaction to the IV infusion with serious lung problems. If these problems occur, they usually happen while the drug is being given or within 24 hours of the dose. If you have trouble breathing or severe dizziness/fainting, tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately because your IV infusion may need to be stopped.
Trastuzumab can cause serious (possibly fatal) harm to an unborn baby if used during pregnancy.
USES: Trastuzumab is used alone or with other medications to treat certain types of breast cancer. It is also used along with other medications to treat certain types of stomach cancer. The types of cancers trastuzumab is used to treat are tumors that produce more than the normal amount of a certain substance called HER2 protein.
This medication is called a monoclonal antibody. It works by attaching to the HER2 cancer cells and blocking them from dividing and growing. It may also destroy the cancer cells or signal the body (immune system) to destroy the cancer cells.
HOW TO USE: Trastuzumab is not the same as trastuzumab emtansine or ado-trastuzumab emtansine. Do not substitute trastuzumab emtansine or ado-trastuzumab emtansine for trastuzumab.
This medication will be given by a health care professional. It is given slowly by vein (IV), usually once a week for breast cancer or once every 3 weeks for stomach cancer or as directed by your doctor. Your first infusion will be given over at least 90 minutes.
The dose, the speed of your injection, and the length of time you receive trastuzumab depends on your body weight, condition, other treatments, and response to trastuzumab treatment.
To get the most benefit from this medication, do not miss any doses. To help you remember, mark the days on the calendar when you need to receive the medication.
Your doctor may prescribe other medications (e.g., acetaminophen, diphenhydramine) for you to take before the start of your treatment to help prevent serious side effects.
Additional Herceptin Information
Herceptin - User Reviews
Herceptin User Reviews
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