Herceptin (Trastuzumab) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 10, 2012

Herceptin

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HERCEPTIN®
(trastuzumab) Intravenous Infusion

WARNING: CARDIOMYOPATHY, INFUSION REACTIONS, EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY, and PULMONARY TOXICITY

Cardiomyopathy

Herceptin (trastuzumab) administration can result in sub clinical and clinical cardiac failure. The incidence and severity was highest in patients receiving Herceptin (trastuzumab) with anthracycline containing chemotherapy regimens.

Evaluate left ventricular function in all patients prior to and during treatment with Herceptin (trastuzumab) . Discontinue Herceptin (trastuzumab) treatment in patients receiving adjuvant therapy and withhold Herceptin (trastuzumab) in patients with metastatic disease for clinically significant decrease in left ventricular function, [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]

Infusion Reactions; Pulmonary Toxicity

Herceptin (trastuzumab) administration can result in serious and fatal infusion reactions and pulmonary toxicity. Symptoms usually occur during or within 24 hours of Herceptin (trastuzumab) administration. Interrupt Herceptin (trastuzumab) infusion for dyspnea or clinically significant hypotension. Monitor patients until symptoms completely resolve. Discontinue Herceptin (trastuzumab) for anaphylaxis, angioedema, interstitial pneumonitis, or acute respiratory distress syndrome, [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Exposure to Herceptin (trastuzumab) during pregnancy can result in oligohydramnios and oligohydramnios sequence manifesting as pulmonary hypoplasia, skeletal abnormalities, and neonatal death, [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Use in Specific Populations]

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Herceptin (trastuzumab) is a humanized IgGl kappa monoclonal antibody that selectively binds with high affinity to the extracellular domain of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 protein, HER2. Trastuzumab is produced by recombinant DNA technology in a mammalian cell (Chinese Hamster Ovary) culture containing the antibiotic gentamicin. Gentamicin is not detectable in the final product.

Herceptin (trastuzumab) is a sterile, white to pale yellow, preservative-free lyophilized powder for intravenous administration. Each multi-use vial of Herceptin contains 440 mg trastuzumab, 400 mg α,α-trehalose dihydrate, 9.9 mg L-histidine HC1, 6.4 mg L-histidine, and 1.8 mg polysorbate 20, USP. Reconstitution with 20 mL of the appropriate diluent (BWFI or SWFI) yields a solution containing 21 mg/mL trastuzumab, at a pH of approximately 6.

What are the possible side effects of trastuzumab (Herceptin)?

Some people receiving a trastuzumab injection have had a reaction to the infusion (when the medicine is injected into the vein). Tell your caregiver right away if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, weak, itchy, or short of breath during the injection.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

chest pain or heavy feeling,...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Herceptin »

What are the precautions when taking trastuzumab (Herceptin)?

Before using trastuzumab, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other mouse protein medications; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as benzyl alcohol), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: previous cancer treatments (including radiation therapy to the chest), current infection, virus infection with returning symptoms (e.g., herpes, shingles), heart disease, high blood pressure, lung problems, previous severe reaction to monoclonal antibody treatment.

Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor, and avoid contact...

Read All Potential Precautions of Herceptin »

Last reviewed on RxList: 11/23/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.