Herceptin

 
Generic Name: trastuzumab (injectable)

Brands: Herceptin

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What is the most important information I should know about Herceptin?

· Trastuzumab should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

· Serious side effects have been reported with the use of Herceptin including: allergic and infusion-related reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; hives; rash; fever or chills; nausea; vomiting; headache; shaking; dizziness; and weakness); lung or heart problems (difficulty breathing; increased cough; swelling of hands or feet; fast or irregular heartbeats; or lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting); infection (fever, chills, cough, burning with urination); and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from treatment with Herceptin.

 

What is Herceptin?

· Trastuzumab is a cancer (chemotherapeutic) medication. Trastuzumab interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

· Trastuzumab is used for the treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer whose tumors overexpress the HER2 protein.

· Trastuzumab may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Herceptin?

· Do not use Herceptin without first talking to your doctor if you have:     ·an allergy to benzyl alcohol (a preservative in the injection solution); or     ·a history of heart disease.

· The use of Herceptin may be dangerous if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· Trastuzumab is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not use Herceptin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

· It is not known whether Herceptin passes into breast milk. Do not take Herceptin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.

 

How should I take Herceptin?

· Trastuzumab should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

· Trastuzumab is administered as an intravenous (into the vein) injection.

· Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with Herceptin depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.

· Your doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with Herceptin to monitor progress and side effects.

· Your healthcare provider will store Herceptin as directed by the manufacturer. If you are storing Herceptin at home, follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of Herceptin.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· If for any reason an overdose of Herceptin is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.

· Symptoms of a Herceptin overdose tend to be similar to side effects caused by the medication, although often more severe.

 

What should I avoid while taking Herceptin?

· There are no restrictions on food, beverages or activity during treatment with Herceptin unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

 

What are the possible side effects of Herceptin?

· If you experience any of the following serious side effects from Herceptin, seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:     ·an allergic or infusion-related reaction including difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; hives; rash; fever or chills; nausea; vomiting; headache; shaking; dizziness; or weakness;     ·symptoms of lung or heart problems such as difficulty breathing; increased cough; swelling of hands or feet; fast or irregular heartbeats; or lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting;     ·signs of infection such as fever, chills, cough, or burning with urination; or     ·abdominal pain.

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue taking Herceptin and talk to your doctor if you experience:     ·nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;     ·upset stomach or loss of appetite;     ·headache;     ·weakness;     ·insomnia;     ·a burning, pricking, tickling, or tingling feeling;     ·bone or joint pain; or     ·rash.

· Other side effects have also been reported. Discuss with your doctor any side effect that occurs during treatment with Herceptin.

 

What other drugs will affect Herceptin?

· Other drugs may interact with Herceptin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products, during treatment with Herceptin.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your healthcare provider may have additional information about Herceptin that you may read.

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