What is the most important information I should know about trastuzumab?
Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, congestive
heart failure, a history of heart attack, or any allergies or breathing problems. You may not be
able to receive trastuzumab, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during
treatment.
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.
What is trastuzumab?
Trastuzumab is a cancer medication. It interferes with the growth of cancer cells and
slows their growth and spread in your body.
Trastuzumab is used to treat breast cancer that has progressed after treatment with other
chemotherapy.
Trastuzumab may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication
guide.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving trastuzumab?
Before using trastuzumab, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
-
heart disease;
-
congestive heart failure;
-
a history of heart attack; or
-
any allergies or breathing problems.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to receive
trastuzumab, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an
unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are
pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether trastuzumab passes into breast milk or if it could harm a
nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a
baby.
How is trastuzumab given?
Trastuzumab is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will
receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The medicine must be given slowly through
an IV infusion, and can take up to 90 minutes to complete.
Before you receive this medication, you may need to undergo a biopsy to make sure
trastuzumab is the right medication to treat your cancer.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be
tested on a regular basis. Your heart function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any
scheduled visits to your doctor.
Trastuzumab is usually given once every 7 days. Follow your doctor's instructions.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Contact your doctor if you miss an appointment for your trastuzumab injection.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this
medicine. Symptoms of a trastuzumab overdose are unknown.
What should I avoid while taking trastuzumab?
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are receiving
trastuzumab unless your doctor has told you otherwise.
Print
Email
FDA Alerts
Drug Info Tools
Medicare's drug plans are subsidized by the US federal government and offered through insurers.
