Trastuzumab injection for infusion

July 17, 2018

Trastuzumab injection for infusion

What is this medicine?

TRASTUZUMAB (tras TOO zoo mab) is a monoclonal antibody. It is used to treat breast cancer and stomach cancer.

How should I use this medicine?

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.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • chest pain or palpitations

  • cough

  • dizziness

  • feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

  • fever

  • general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms

  • signs of worsening heart failure like breathing problems; swelling in your legs and feet

  • unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • bone pain

  • changes in taste

  • diarrhea

  • joint pain

  • nausea/vomiting

  • weight loss

What may interact with this medicine?

This medicine may interact with the following medications:

  • certain types of chemotherapy, such as daunorubicin, doxorubicin, epirubicin, and idarubicin

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.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • heart disease

  • heart failure

  • lung or breathing disease, like asthma

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to trastuzumab, benzyl alcohol, or other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

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.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine or for 7 months after stopping it. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. Women of child-bearing potential will need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this medicine. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine or for 7 months after stopping it.

Women must use effective birth control with this medicine.

Updated:  

July 17, 2018