What is Herceptin: Uses, Warnings & Interactions
Herceptin overview
BRAND NAMES:
Ontruzant, Trazimera, Herceptin, Herzuma, Kanjinti, Ogivri
Generic Names:
Herceptin
Uses:
Treats cancer, including breast, stomach, and esophageal cancer.
Therapeutic Classes:
Immunological Agent, Antineoplastic Agent
Forms:
Injectable
How it’s taken:
By injection
What is Herceptin used for?
Herceptin is a HER2 inhibitor that is used to treat adjuvant breast cancer, metastatic breast cancer and other conditions as prescribed by your doctor. HER2 (Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2) is a gene found in cancer cells that stimulate these cells to grow. Some breast cancer cells overexpress their HER2 gene, this results in rapid, disorderly growth and division of cancer cells causing the cancer to spread and grow. Herceptin blocks the action of the HER2 gene and slows or stops the growth of the breast cancer. Herceptin may be used alone or in combination with other cancer treatment. It is available as an intravenous injection.
What form(s) does Herceptin come in
Injectable
What are common Herceptin doses?
Solution Reconstituted 150MG
Common Herceptin prescriptions
Herceptin
150mg solution reconstitutedHerceptin
440mg solution reconstituted
How to take Herceptin
Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
Injection routeYou will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
Missed dose: Injection routeThis medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.
Missed dose: Injection routeThis medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.
Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
Injection routeYou will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
What to do if you miss a dose of Herceptin
Herceptin contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to trastuzumab, or if you are pregnant.
Herceptin warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control to prevent pregnancy while you receive this medicine and for 7 months after your treatment ends.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, heart rhythm problems, high blood pressure, or lung disease.
This medicine may cause the following problems:Heart problemsInfusion-related reactionsLung or breathing problems
This medicine lowers the number of white blood cells. This weakens your immune system, so you may get infections more easily. Wash your hands often. Avoid people who are sick.
Injection routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
Injection routeCancer medicine can cause nausea or vomiting, sometimes even after you receive medicine to prevent these effects. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control any nausea or vomiting that might happen.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments. You may also need occasional tests of your heart function during and after treatment.
Herceptin interactions
Injection routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
Injection routeCancer medicine can cause nausea or vomiting, sometimes even after you receive medicine to prevent these effects. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control any nausea or vomiting that might happen.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments. You may also need occasional tests of your heart function during and after treatment.
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control to prevent pregnancy while you receive this medicine and for 7 months after your treatment ends.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, heart rhythm problems, high blood pressure, or lung disease.
This medicine may cause the following problems:Heart problemsInfusion-related reactionsLung or breathing problems
This medicine lowers the number of white blood cells. This weakens your immune system, so you may get infections more easily. Wash your hands often. Avoid people who are sick.
Herceptin side effects
Serious Side Effects
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Chest pain, trouble breathing, or fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat
Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and body aches
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting, fever, vomiting, headache
Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Less Serious Side Effects
Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat
Diarrhea, nausea
Headache
Joint or back pain
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