Trastuzumab
About Trastuzumab
Trastuzumab is a specialised injection used to treat certain types of breast and stomach cancers that produce too much of a protein called HER2. By targeting these specific cancer cells, it helps slow down or stop their growth. This medicine is a key part of targeted cancer therapy prescribed by oncology specialists.
Trastuzumab is given as an injection or infusion, typically once every week or every three weeks, depending on your treatment plan. Consistency is vital, so keeping all your scheduled appointments is highly recommended. To support your body during treatment, maintaining a balanced diet, staying well-hydrated, and getting plenty of rest can help manage physical demands.
Some people experience mild side effects like chills, fever, or nausea, particularly during or after the first few sessions. However, you must seek immediate medical help if you experience serious symptoms such as shortness of breath, swelling in your legs, or a rapid heartbeat, as these can point to heart or lung complications.
Before starting Trastuzumab, inform your doctor if you have a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or lung disorders. Do not take this medicine if you have had a severe allergic reaction to it or its ingredients in the past. Pregnant women should also avoid this medicine as it can cause harm to an unborn baby.
It is important to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you take, as some can increase the risk of heart damage when combined with Trastuzumab. Limit or avoid alcohol and smoking to prevent extra strain on your organs. If you are breastfeeding or elderly, talk to your doctor to understand the risks and benefits before starting treatment.
Uses of Trastuzumab
Medicinal Benefits
Trastuzumab offers significant clinical benefits for individuals facing specific types of aggressive cancers. By focusing directly on cancer cells rather than all rapidly dividing cells, it helps limit damage to healthy tissues, resulting in a more targeted approach to cancer care. Key benefits include:
- Reduced risk of cancer recurrence: When used after surgery for early-stage breast cancer, it significantly lowers the chances of the cancer coming back.
- Extended survival times: In advanced or metastatic cases of breast and stomach cancer, it helps control tumour growth, which can help extend life and improve comfort.
- Synergy with chemotherapy: It enhances the effectiveness of standard chemotherapy drugs, making the overall treatment regimen more successful at shrinking tumours.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor’s instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
- Trastuzumab will be administered in a hospital setting under the supervision of a physician qualified by training and experience to administer cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
- Do not self-administer.
Storage
Side Effects of Trastuzumab
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Fever and chills (especially during or shortly after your first infusion)
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
- Headache, dizziness, or muscle pain
- Difficulty sleeping or feeling unusually tired
- Cough or mild runny nose
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Signs of heart trouble, such as shortness of breath, a persistent cough, swelling in your ankles or legs, or a racing heartbeat
- Severe allergic reactions, including hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, and difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Severe lung problems, including wheezing, chest tightness, or trouble breathing at rest
- Signs of infection, such as high fever, severe chills, sore throat, or body aches
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Monitor your heart: Your doctor will perform echocardiograms or MUGA scans to check your heart function before starting and every few months during treatment.
- Watch for infusion reactions: Tell your nurse immediately if you experience shaking, chills, fever, or dizziness during your injection.
- Inspect the solution: If you see the vial beforehand, ensure the liquid is clear to slightly pale yellow and free of visible particles. Do not use if cloudy or discoloured.
- Report breathing changes: Inform your healthcare team immediately if you develop a new or worsening cough or find it hard to breathe.
- Avoid getting pregnant: Use highly effective birth control during treatment and for at least seven months after your final dose to prevent severe birth defects.
Drug Interactions
- Anthracycline-based chemotherapies (such as doxorubicin or epirubicin): Taking these medicines close to or alongside Trastuzumab can significantly increase the risk of heart damage or heart failure.
- Other cardiotoxic drugs: Any medications that can affect heart function may cause cumulative heart strain when used with Trastuzumab.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol as it may cause serious side effects.
Pregnancy
unsafeTrastuzumab is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may harm your foetus. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before receiving Trastuzumab. Use reliable methods of birth control while on treatment with Trastuzumab.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid nursing your child while on treatment with Trastuzumab as it can cause serious side effects to the baby.
Driving
not applicable-
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before receiving Trastuzumab. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionLimited data are available on the effect of Trastuzumab in kidney-impaired patients. Hence, if you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor.
Children
unsafeTrastuzumab is not recommended for use in children as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Supporting your body during cancer treatment can help you manage side effects and maintain your strength. Here are some evidence-based practical tips:
- Prioritise heart-healthy foods: Because this medicine can affect your heart, eat foods low in saturated fats and sodium. Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, and plenty of vegetables.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially around your treatment days, to help your kidneys clear medications and reduce fatigue.
- Eat small, frequent meals: If you experience nausea or a loss of appetite, eating five to six small meals a day instead of three large ones can make eating easier.
- Protect your immune system: Wash your hands frequently, avoid close contact with people who are sick, and ensure all meats and vegetables are thoroughly cooked and cleaned.
- Engage in gentle exercise: With your doctor's approval, light activities like walking can help combat treatment-related fatigue and support overall well-being.
Special Advise
- Avoid intercourse while on treatment with Trastuzumab.
- Regular, complete blood count monitoring is advised during the treatment.
- All patients should be tested for HER2 test before starting the treatment regimen.
- Liver function tests (LFT) and pulmonary function tests (PFT) should be performed before starting the treatment and every 4 to 6 weeks during the treatment.
- Regular ECG and electrolytes should be monitored while taking the medicine.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Breast Cancer: Breast cancer is a type of cancer with abnormal growth in the cells of the breast. There are different kinds of breast cancer, such as cancer occurring in lobules (glands that produce milk), ducts of the breast (the pathway that brings milk from glands to the nipple), and in the fatty tissue or the fibrous connective tissue within the breast. Symptoms of breast cancer include a lump in the breast, breast pain, redness, swelling, nipple discharge other than breast milk, bloody discharge, a lump or swelling under the arm, unexplained change in shape, size or appearance of the breast, peeling, flaking or scaling of the skin.
Stomach Cancer (Gastric adenocarcinoma): It is a type of cancer that develops from the stomach lining. When the cancer cells spread to other organs of the body, it is called metastatic. This condition can occur mainly due to smoking, a highly processed or salty diet, and severe bacterial infection of H. pylori. Symptoms of stomach cancer include feeling bloated after eating, feeling full after eating small amounts of food, nausea, heartburn or indigestion.
FAQs
Trastuzumab should not be used during pregnancy because it can seriously harm the unborn baby. Use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 7 months after your last dose. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or become pregnant during treatment, contact your doctor immediately for advice.
The duration of treatment depends on your cancer type, stage, and response to therapy. For early HER2-positive breast cancer, treatment is commonly given for about one year. For advanced or metastatic HER2-positive cancers, treatment may continue as long as it remains effective and is well tolerated. Your doctor will decide the appropriate treatment duration.
Trastuzumab may affect heart function and, in some people, can reduce the heart's pumping ability or lead to heart failure. Your doctor will perform heart tests before starting treatment and repeat them regularly during therapy to monitor your heart and detect any changes early. The frequency of testing depends on your medical condition, treatment plan, and previous test results.
No, Trastuzumab is not a traditional chemotherapy drug. It is a targeted immunotherapy called a monoclonal antibody. While chemotherapy kills rapidly dividing cells throughout the body, Trastuzumab specifically targets cells that have too much of the HER2 protein. Talk to your doctor to understand how these treatments differ.
It is given as an injection, either slowly into a vein (intravenously) or as a quick injection under the skin (subcutaneously). This is always done by a healthcare professional in a medical setting. Talk to your doctor about which option is right for you.
On its own, Trastuzumab does not typically cause hair loss. However, because it is very often given in combination with chemotherapy, you may experience hair loss from the chemotherapy drugs. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about the side effects of your combined treatment plan.
Avoid getting live vaccines, as your immune system may be compromised during treatment. Additionally, limit alcohol intake and avoid smoking to minimise extra stress on your heart and liver. Talk to your doctor before taking any new medications, vitamins, or supplements.
If you miss an appointment, contact your clinic immediately to reschedule. Keeping your doses on schedule is highly important for the treatment to be effective. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to help you set up a reminder system.
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