Trastuzumab
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Molecule Summary
| Uses | Breast cancers |
| Therapy | Anti-Neoplastic |
| Side Effects | Chills, fever, flu-like symptoms, nausea, vomiting, increased muscle tension |
Medicines
available
19k pincodes
Molecule Description
Trastuzumab is an anti-cancer medication used by cancer specialists to treat specific types of breast cancer. It targets a protein called HER2, which is overexpressed in certain breast cancers. By binding to HER2, Trastuzumab inhibits the growth of these cancer cells. Trastuzumab is used in various treatment settings, including early-stage breast cancer with high HER2 levels and metastatic breast cancer. It may be administered alone or in combination with other cancer treatments like chemotherapy or hormone therapy, depending on the specific type and stage of the cancer.
Uses
Trastuzumab is used by cancer specialists in the treatment of breast cancers.
Contraindications
When should one not use Trastuzumab
- If you are allergic to trastuzumab or any of the other ingredients of Trastuzumab.
- If you have severe breathing problems at rest due to your cancer or if you need oxygen treatment.
Side effects
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Chills
- Fever
- Flu-like symptoms
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Increased muscle tension
- Shaking
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Breathing difficulties
- High or low blood pressure
- Heart rhythm disturbances (palpitations, heart fluttering, irregular heartbeat)
- Swelling of the face and lips
- Rash
- Fatigue (feeling tired)
Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy
Breast Feeding
Driving
Alcohol
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- You have ever had or might now have a hepatitis infection.
- You have a history of cardiac conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or arrhythmias.
- You have previously received anthracycline-based chemotherapy.
- You experience symptoms of cardiac dysfunction, including shortness of breath, fatigue, or swelling.
- You have poorly controlled hypertension or other cardiovascular risk factors.
- You have a history of myocardial infarction, angina requiring treatment, or clinically significant valvular disease.
- You suffer from asthma or other respiratory conditions.
- You develop symptoms during or after infusion, such as shortness of breath, wheezing, hypotension, hypertension, urticaria, or chest pain.
- You experience delayed infusion-related symptoms hours or days after treatment.
- You have dyspnoea (difficulty breathing) at rest due to advanced malignancy or other comorbidities.
- You experience any new or worsening respiratory symptoms, such as cough, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing.
- You have been treated with Trastuzumab before and are considering re-treatment.
- You are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
- You experience severe side effects, including persistent nausea, fatigue, or signs of infection.
- You notice worsening symptoms or develop new symptoms during treatment.
- You are taking other medications, especially those known to affect the heart or lungs, such as taxanes, gemcitabine, or radiation therapy.
Mode of Action
How Does It Work?
Trastuzumab is a targeted cancer therapy that specifically targets cancer cells overproducing the HER2 protein. By attaching to HER2, it inhibits cell growth and division. It enhances the immune system's ability to recognize and eliminate these cancer cells. Trastuzumab primarily affects HER2-positive cancer cells, minimising its impact on healthy cells, and making it a valuable treatment option for these cancers.
Dosage
Overdose
Your doctor or nurse will give Trastuzumab. Therefore, the chances of overdose are very rare. If you experience the symptoms right after receiving the medicine, seek medical help.
Missed a Dose
Your doctor or nurse will carefully monitor and schedule your medicine, making it unlikely for a dose to be missed. However, if you suspect a dose might have been overlooked, let them know immediately.
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