trastuzumab

What is the most important information I should know about trastuzumab?

What is trastuzumab?

Trastuzumab is used to treat certain types of breast cancer or stomach cancer, sometimes in combination with other cancer medicines.

This medicine 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.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving trastuzumab?

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease;
• congestive heart failure;
• a heart attack; or
• any allergies or breathing problems.

You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.

If you become pregnant while using trastuzumab or within 7 months after you stop, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of trastuzumab on the baby.

How is trastuzumab given?

Your doctor will perform a medical test to make sure trastuzumab is the right medicine to treat your cancer.

Trastuzumab is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Trastuzumab is usually given once every week or every 1 to 3 weeks. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

This medicine must be given slowly, and the infusion can take up to 90 minutes to complete.

You may need frequent medical tests to be sure this medicine is not causing harmful effects. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.

Your heart function may need to be checked before and during treatment with trastuzumab. You may also need heart function testing every 6 months for 2 years after your last dose of this medicine.

Trastuzumab is usually given for 52 weeks, or until your body no longer responds to the medication.

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while receiving trastuzumab?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What are the possible side effects of trastuzumab?

Some side effects may occur during the injection, or in the days afterward. Tell your caregiver right away if you feel dizzy, nauseated, itchy, light-headed, weak, short of breath, or if you have a headache, fever, chills, or chest pain.

• new or worsening cough;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears;
• blisters or ulcers in your mouth, red or swollen gums, trouble swallowing;
• heart problems --pounding heartbeats, dizziness, swelling in your lower legs, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath;
• low blood cell counts --fever, chills, tiredness, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed; or
• signs of tumor cell breakdown --tiredness, weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fast or slow heart rate, tingling in your hands and feet or around your mouth.

Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.

Common side effects may include:

• heart problems;
• nausea, diarrhea, weight loss;
• headache;
• trouble sleeping, feeling tired;
• low blood cell counts;
• rash;
• fever, chills, cough, or other signs of infection;
• mouth sores;
• altered sense of taste; or
• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sinus pain, 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.

What other drugs will affect trastuzumab?

Other drugs may affect trastuzumab, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about trastuzumab.