Herceptin (Trastuzumab) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Herceptin

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Breast cancer facts

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women.
One in every eight women in the United States develops breast cancer.
There are many types of breast cancer that differ in their capability of spreading (metastasize) to other body tissues.
The causes of breast cancer are not yet fully known although a number of risk factors have been identified.
There are many different types of breast cancer.
Breast cancer is diagnosed with physician and self-examination of the breasts, mammography, ultrasound testing, and biopsy.
Treatment of breast cancer depends on the type of cancer and its stage (the extent of spread in the body).

According to the American Cancer society:

Over 200,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are diagnosed each year.
Nearly 40,000 women will die of breast cancer in 2011.
There are over 2...

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Herceptin Consumer

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

(trass-TOOZE-you-mob)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Herceptin

WARNING: 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.

See also Side Effects section.

Trastuzumab can cause serious (possibly fatal) harm to an unborn baby if used during pregnancy. It should only be used during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh these risks. See also Precautions section.

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: 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.