How is Herceptin Given?
Herceptin is usually given at your doctor's office or clinic. You take Herceptin through an intravenous (IV) infusion, which means that the drug comes through a needle that your nurse inserts into a vein. Herceptin can also be given through a central line or a port, which are 2 different devices placed under the skin to make it easier to receive medications that are given through an infusion. Talk to your doctor about which option is best for you.
Infusions will usually last between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the dosage you are receiving, how frequently you are getting infusions, and how well you are tolerating the infusions. Infusions may be slowed or stopped if you experience discomfort from side effects.
Can I take Herceptin with my other cancer treatments?
Yes, Herceptin can be given with other cancer treatments. Remember, Herceptin is not chemotherapy or hormonal therapy. The potential benefits of Herceptin are in addition to the potential benefits you may receive from surgery, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, or radiation therapy. Herceptin is not a substitute for any of these therapies. Talk to your doctor about what therapies are right for you.
What should I look out for when I’m on Herceptin therapy, and what symptoms should I immediately report to my doctor?
Be sure to tell your doctor about any health conditions you have had, as well as any new symptoms that arise. Call your doctor immediately if you have any of the following: new or worsening shortness of breath; cough; swelling of the ankles or legs; swelling of the face; heartbeats that are unusually strong, fast, slow, or irregular in rhythm; weight gain of more than 5 pounds in 24 hours; dizziness; or loss of consciousness.
What side effects may I experience with my first dose of Herceptin?
When you receive the first dose of Herceptin, you may have chills and fever as well as nausea, vomiting, pain, headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, low blood pressure, rash, and weakness. These side effects are usually mild to moderate in severity.
In reports from doctors after the drug was approved, serious and fatal reactions were reported infrequently. Severe side effects include significant lung problems, too little oxygen in the body, and a significant drop in blood pressure, were usually seen during or immediately after receiving the first dose of Herceptin. However, these side effects could show up in various ways, including starting immediately and progressively getting more serious, starting to improve and then getting worse, or not starting until later and then quickly becoming serious. In rare, fatal events, death occurred within hours or days following a serious infusion reaction. If you have a mild or moderate infusion reaction, your doctor should slow the rate at which you receive Herceptin during infusions. If, during an infusion, you have shortness of breath or very low blood pressure, and receive medication or oxygen to treat those symptoms, your Herceptin treatment should be interrupted. After your infusion, you should be carefully evaluated and monitored until these signs and symptoms are completely resolved. Your doctor may stop Herceptin completely if you have severe side effects while receiving treatment.
Are the potential side effects with Herceptin® the same as chemotherapy?
Herceptin is not chemotherapy. Once you finish your chemotherapy and are receiving Herceptin alone, many of the chemotherapy-related side effects will likely go away or be less severe. For instance, Herceptin does not usually cause hair loss.
See Possible Side Effects for more information.
Because everyone is different, it is not possible to predict what side effects any patient will have. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, make sure you talk to your doctor or nurse.
Please see full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNINGS
|
Español
