Drugs & Vitamins

Active Ingredients: Trastuzumab
Other Names: Herceptin
Drug Class: Monoclonal Antibodies
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: No
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Herceptin? (Back to top)
TRASTUZUMAB 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 providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• heart disease
• heart failure
• infection (especially a virus infection such as chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes)
• lung or breathing disease, like asthma
• recent or ongoing radiation therapy
• an unusual or allergic reaction to trastuzumab, benzyl alcohol, or other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
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? (Back to top)
It is important not to miss a dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)

• cyclophosphamide
• doxorubicin
• warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers 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 side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or other health care professional as soon as possible:

• breathing difficulties
• chest pain or palpitations
• cough
• dizziness or fainting
• fever or chills, sore throat
• skin rash, itching or hives
• swelling of the legs or ankles
• unusually weak or tired

• loss of appetite
• headache
• muscle aches
• nausea

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.

What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
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.

Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
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.

Last Updated:July 02, 2007

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