Risk of cardiotoxicity (e.g., ventricular dysfunction, CHF).
Evaluate left ventricular function prior to and during therapy.
Discontinuance of trastuzumab should be strongly considered in patients who develop a clinically important decrease in left ventricular function.
Anthracyclines and Cyclophosphamide
Increased frequency and severity of cardiac toxicity when used in combination with an anthracycline and cyclophosphamide.
Hypersensitivity, Infusion, and Pulmonary Reactions
Risk of severe (rarely fatal) hypersensitivity reactions, (e.g., anaphylaxis), infusion reactions, or severe pulmonary effects.
Onset of symptoms generally occurs during or within 24 hours of initiation of the infusion.
Interrupt infusion in patients who develop dyspnea or clinically important hypotension.
Patients should be monitored until signs and symptoms of these effects completely resolve.
Discontinuance of trastuzumab should be strongly considered in patients who develop anaphylaxis, angioedema, or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
TRASTUZUMAB (tras TOO zoo mab) is a monoclonal antibody. It targets a protein called HER2. This protein is found in roughly 25 to 30 percent of breast cancers. By interfering with this protein, this medicine can stop cancer cell growth. This medicine may be used with other cancer treatments.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
This drug is given as an infusion into a vein. It is administered in a hospital or clinic by a specially trained health care professional.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. This medicine is not approved for use in children.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
It is important not to miss a dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor for checks on your progress. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your doctor tells you to stop.
Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.
You may experience fever, chills and shaking during your first infusion. These effects are usually mild and can be treated with other medicines. Report any side effects during the infusion to your health care professional. Fever and chills usually do not happen with later infusions.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or other health care professional as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or other health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
NOTE:This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children,
never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.