Introduction

Trastuzumab (tras-too-zoo-mab)

Treats breast cancer.

Brand Name(s)

Herceptin

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to trastuzumab.

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

• Medicines 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.
• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
• You 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.
• Trastuzumab must be given slowly, so the IV must remain in place for approximately 90 minutes.
• You will be watched closely for unwanted side effects while you are receiving this medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• This 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.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows what chemotherapy medicines you have already received.
• Before receiving this medicine, tell your doctor if you have ever had a reaction to benzyl alcohol or murine proteins. Murine proteins are used in some medicines for hemophilia, organ or bone marrow transplants, serious blood infections, or to find or treat certain cancers.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have a history of heart disease, heart rhythm problems, or high blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you have had radiation therapy to the chest.
• Your doctor may test your heart before you start receiving trastuzumab and while you are getting treatments with this medicine.
• Trastuzumab may cause a serious side effect called an infusion reaction. This can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you have fever, chills, trouble with breathing, lightheadedness, fainting, or chest pain within a few hours after you receive it.
• This medicine may lower the number of some types of blood cells in your body. Because of this, you may get infections more easily. To help with these problems, wash your hands often and avoid being near people who are sick or have infections.
• Cancer medicines can cause nausea and/or vomiting in most people, sometimes even after receiving medicines to prevent it. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control these side effects.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat.
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and body aches.
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
• Pain on urination, or change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed.
• Rapid weight gain.
• Shortness of breath, cold sweat, and bluish-colored skin.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Unusual tiredness or weakness.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Depression.
• Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, upset stomach, or stomach pain.
• Headache.
• Loss of appetite.
• Muscle, joint, bone, or back pain.
• Nosebleeds.
• Skin rash.
• Trouble sleeping.