Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: TRASTUZUMAB - INJECTION (trass-TOOZE-you-mob)
BRAND NAME(S): Herceptin
Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
WARNING: Use of trastuzumab may lead to serious heart problems, including heart failure. Your doctor may need to stop this medication if these problems occur. Patients who also use anthracyclines (e.g., doxorubicin) and cyclophosphamide are more likely to develop heart problems. Trastuzumab use may also result in several other severe, rarely fatal, problems. Specifically, these are allergic reactions, IV dosing (infusion reaction), and lung disease (acute respiratory distress syndrome-ARDS). These problems, if they occur, usually happen while the drug is being given, or within 24 hours of the dose. The IV dose should be interrupted if you experience trouble breathing, or severe dizziness/very low blood pressure; consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately. Trastuzumab treatment may need to be stopped if severe allergic or lung problems occur; seek immediate medical attention. Read the Side Effects Section carefully. It includes symptoms and advice regarding the medical problems noted in this section.
USES: Trastuzumab is used to treat breast cancer.
HOW TO USE: This medication is given by vein (IV), usually once a week. Medication to prevent side effects may be given before the drug is administered. Follow all instructions for proper mixing, dilution with certain IV fluids and use of this drug. Consult your pharmacist. When mixed with IV fluids this product will be colorless or a clear yellow liquid. Do not give as a rapid IV injection. Check this product visually for particles or discoloration before use. If present, do not use the liquid. Do not mix or dilute with other drugs; consult your pharmacist or nurse.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Breast Cancer - Get the facts on breast cancer symptoms, signs, stages, types, research, risk factors, diagnosis, prevention information and treatment options: mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy.
- Drugs: What You Should Know About Your Drugs - Find out what you should know about your drugs such as side effects, warnings and precautions, storage information, and if a generic version is as good as the brand name.
Latest Medical News
Back to Medications Index
Interactive Slideshows