Trastuzumab 440mg (Herceptin)
Product Description: Trastuzumab is a prescription medicine used to treat:
- Certain types of breast cancer (HER2-positive) in combination with other therapies
- Metastatic gastric cancer (stomach cancer) in combination with other therapies
Composition: Trastuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) protein.
Mechanism of Action: Trastuzumab works by binding to the HER2 protein, which is present in excess on the surface of certain cancer cells. By blocking the HER2 protein, trastuzumab:
- Inhibits the growth and proliferation of cancer cells
- Induces apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells
Dosage: The recommended dose of trastuzumab is:
- 440mg administered as an intravenous infusion over 30-90 minutes every 3 weeks
- May be adjusted based on patient response and tolerability
Uses: Trastuzumab is approved for the treatment of:
- HER2-positive breast cancer in combination with other therapies
- Metastatic gastric cancer (stomach cancer) in combination with other therapies
Side Effects: Common side effects of trastuzumab include:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Skin reactions (e.g., rash, itching)
- Infusion-related reactions (e.g., flushing, dyspnea)
- Cardiac dysfunction (e.g., decreased heart function)
Recommendation: Trastuzumab should be prescribed by a healthcare professional experienced in the treatment of cancer.
Important Note:
- Trastuzumab can cause serious side effects, including:
- Cardiac dysfunction (e.g., decreased heart function)
- Infusion-related reactions (e.g., flushing, dyspnea)
- Pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lungs)
- Patients with a history of cardiac disease or at risk for cardiac disease should be carefully monitored.
- Trastuzumab should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Men who are taking trastuzumab should use effective contraception to avoid fathering a child.
It’s essential to discuss any concerns or questions with your healthcare provider before starting trastuzumab therapy.
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