Herceptin ratings & reviews

Trastuzumab
Company: Genentech
Brand: Herceptin
Drug class: Antineoplastic and Immunomodulating Agents
+4 more
Antineoplastic and Immunomodulating Agents, Antineoplastics, Antineoplastic Monoclonal Antibodies, Antineoplastic Monoclonal Antibodies Targeting Growth Factor Receptors and their Ligands, Antineoplastic Monoclonal Antibodies Targeting HER2/neu

Sermo AI Overview

  • While Herceptin is effective for HER2-positive gastric cancer, some patients may face safety concerns, particularly regarding cardiac health, and resistance can develop after several months of treatment.
  • Herceptin is recognized for its favorable efficacy profile in treating breast cancer, with an average effectiveness rating of 4.1 from physicians, and is generally well-tolerated, providing safety during treatment.
  • The accessibility of Herceptin is inconsistent; some patients encounter availability issues that could hinder their treatment experience, despite the drug's potential effectiveness in the right cases.
  • Adherence to Herceptin treatment varies, particularly among oncology specialists, impacting the consistency of care in both breast and gastric cancer indications.
Based on insights from Sermo’s triple verified physicians

Description

Herceptin contains trastuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody produced through recombinant DNA technology. It works by binding to the HER2 protein. Herceptin is provided as a lyophilized powder for intravenous injection, with each vial containing 150 mg of trastuzumab. Key inactive ingredients include α, α-trehalose dihydrate and polysorbate 20.

Source: This information is sourced from FDA and powered by AI

Dosage & Administration

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected into a vein. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting. Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. It 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?

Keep appointments for follow-up doses. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are unable to keep an appointment.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It 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.

Side Effects

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible: -Allergic reactions or angioedema—skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs, trouble swallowing or breathing -Dry cough, shortness of breath or trouble breathing -Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue -Infection—fever, chills, cough, or sore throat -Infusion reactions—chest pain, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, feeling faint or lightheaded Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome): -Diarrhea -Dizziness -Headache -Nausea -Trouble sleeping -Vomiting

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.

Warnings & Precautions

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: -Heart failure -Lung disease -An unusual or allergic reaction to trastuzumab, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives -Pregnant or trying to get pregnant -Breast-feeding

What may interact with this medication?

-Certain types of chemotherapy, such as daunorubicin, doxorubicin, epirubicin, idarubicin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider 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 should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication. This medication may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon, as chemotherapy affects healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your care team tells you to stop. This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick. Avoid taking medications that contain aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless instructed by your care team. These medications can hide a fever. Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. Serious birth defects can occur if you take this medication during pregnancy and for 7 months after the last dose. You will need a negative pregnancy test before starting this medication. Contraception is recommended while taking this medication and for 7 months after the last dose. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you. Do not breastfeed while taking this medication and for 7 months after stopping treatment.

What are the most serious risks of this medication?

This medication may cause heart muscle disease. This makes it hard for your heart to pump blood to the rest of your body. Talk to your care team right away if you have weakness or fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, or sudden weight gain. This medication may cause serious birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Do not take this medication if you are pregnant. This medicine may cause serious, life threatening lung damage. Serious side effects can occur during the infusion of this treatment. Your care team will watch you closely.

Source: This information is sourced from Elsevier Inc.

Disclaimer

The reviews, ratings, comments, and opinions expressed on this platform are solely those of the individual medical professionals who posted them and do not reflect the views or positions of Sermo, Inc. Sermo does not endorse, verify, or validate the content of individual reviews. The information provided is user-generated and reflects personal clinical experiences, which may not be complete, accurate, or applicable to your specific health needs. It is not intended as medical advice.

Prescription medications affect individuals differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed applies to your personal circumstances. Only a licensed healthcare provider can advise you on what is safe and effective for you.

Keep all medications out of the reach of children, never share your medicine with others, and use each medication only as prescribed. Your reliance on any information provided on this platform is at your own risk.

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