Herzuma (Intravenous)
Trastuzumab is used in adults alone or in combination with other cancer medicines to treat certain types of breast cancer or stomach cancer.
This medicine is sometimes used when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic).
Trastuzumab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
uses
What is Herzuma (Intravenous) used for?
- Breast Cancer
- Breast Cancer -- Male
- Neoplasia -- Estrogen Dependent
- Breast Cancer -- Adjuvant
- Esophageal Carcinoma
- Gastric Cancer
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Herzuma (Intravenous)?
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:
- heart problems such as a heart attack, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, and heart rhythm disorder;
- chemotherapy; or
- lung or breathing problems.
May cause birth defects or death to the unborn baby. Do not use if you are pregnant. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. Use effective birth control while receiving trastuzumab and for at least 7 months after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 7 months after your last dose. Ask your doctor about the risk.
Side Effects
What are the side effects of Herzuma (Intravenous)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Some side effects may occur during or within 24 hours of receiving this injection and may lead to serious lung problems. Tell your medical caregiver if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, itchy, sweaty, or have a headache, chest tightness, back pain, trouble breathing, or swelling in your face.
Tell your medical caregivers right away if you have:
- feeling like you might pass out;
- severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears;
- heart problems--pounding heartbeats, dizziness, loss of consciousness, swelling, cough, rapid weight gain (more than 5 pounds in 24 hours), new or worsening shortness of breath; or
- low blood cell counts--fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed.
Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.
Common side effects may include:
- heart problems;
- nausea, diarrhea, weight loss;
- headache;
- sleep problems (insomnia), feeling tired;
- low blood cell counts;
- rash;
- fever, chills, cough, or other signs of infection;
- mouth sores or irritation;
- altered sense of taste; or
- cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Can I take Herzuma (Intravenous) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
May cause birth defects or death to the unborn baby. Do not use if you are pregnant. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. Use effective birth control while receiving trastuzumab and for at least 7 months after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 7 months after your last dose. Ask your doctor about the risk.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Herzuma (Intravenous)?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Herzuma (Intravenous)?
Use Herzuma (Intravenous) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Your doctor will perform tests to make sure trastuzumab is the right treatment for you.
Trastuzumab is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Doses are based on weight. Your dose may change if you gain or lose weight.
Trastuzumab is usually given once every 1 or 3 weeks. Your doctor will determine how long you should receive this medicine. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
You will be watched for a short time to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction or serious side effects.
You may need frequent medical tests and your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.
Your heart function may need to be checked before and during treatment with trastuzumab. You may also need heart function testing every 6 months for 2 years after your last dose of this medicine.
You may be given other medications to help prevent serious side effects or allergic reaction. Keep taking these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your trastuzumab injection.
Overdose Signs
What happens if I overdose on Herzuma (Intravenous)?
In a medical setting an overdose would be treated quickly.