Trastuzumab
Generic medicine reference
Not yet clinically reviewed
This entry was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia app bundle and has not been reviewed by a named clinician on this site. It is provided for educational reference only — verify dosage and safety information against current, authoritative sources and a qualified healthcare professional before any clinical use.
Overview
Trastuzumab is used in adults alone or in combination with other cancer medicines to treat certain types of breast cancer or stomach cancer .
trastuzumab is sometimes used when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic).
Trastuzumab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Indications
Trastuzumab is used in adults alone or in combination with other cancer medicines to treat certain types of breast cancer or stomach cancer .
trastuzumab is sometimes used when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic).
Trastuzumab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Contraindications
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:
heart problems such as a heart attack , congestive heart failure , high blood pressure , and heart rhythm disorder; chemotherapy; or lung or breathing problems.
May cause birth defects or death to the unborn baby. Do not use if you are pregnant. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. Use effective birth control while receiving trastuzumab and for at least 7 months after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 7 months after your last dose. Ask your doctor about the risk.
Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction : hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Some side effects may occur during or within 24 hours of receiving this injection and may lead to serious lung problems. Tell your medical caregiver if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, itchy, sweaty, or have a headache , chest tightness, back pain , trouble breathing, or swelling in your face.
Tell your medical caregivers right away if you have:
feeling like you might pass out; severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears; heart problems --pounding heartbeats, dizziness, loss of consciousness, swelling, cough, rapid weight gain (more than 5 pounds in 24 hours), new or worsening shortness of breath ; or low blood cell counts --fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat , easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed.
Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.
Common side effects of trastuzumab may include:
heart problems; nausea, diarrhea , weight loss ; headache; sleep problems ( insomnia ), feeling tired; low blood cell counts; rash; fever, chills, cough, or other signs of infection ; mouth sores or irritation; altered sense of taste; or cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Do not use if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control .
trastuzumab can cause serious side effects, including infusion reactions and life-threatening heart and lung problems. Tell your doctor if you experience symptoms such as a new or worsening cough, dizziness, headaches, chest pain, trouble breathing, swelling, or rapid weight gain.
High Risk Groups
Do not use if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control .
trastuzumab can cause serious side effects, including infusion reactions and life-threatening heart and lung problems. Tell your doctor if you experience symptoms such as a new or worsening cough, dizziness, headaches, chest pain, trouble breathing, swelling, or rapid weight gain.
Adult Dosage
4 mg/kg (4 (4)) As recommended. IV-Inf (over 90 min) — Initially; followed by 2 mg/kg over 30 min at weekly intervals.
Child Dosage
No child dosage information is recorded for this medicine yet.
Neonatal Dosage
No neonatal dosage information is recorded for this medicine yet.
Drug Interactions
Trastuzumab can have long lasting effects on your heart, especially if you receive other cancer medicines. Tell your doctor about all other cancer treatments you have received and are receiving.
Other drugs may affect trastuzumab, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins , and herbal products . Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.
Storage
No storage information is recorded for this medicine yet.