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Trastuzumab

Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
Anti-HER2 Monoclonal Antibody Herceptin® Cancer-related

Trastuzumab - What is it for

Trastuzumab is used to treat HER2-positive breast cancer and gastric cancer.
It is a monoclonal antibody which targets HER2, a certain type of protein on the surface of cancer cells, to control their growth.

Trastuzumab - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Trastuzumab cause?

  • Feeling tired and lack of energy
    • Do not drive or operate heavy machinery when you feel tired
  • Flu-like symptoms e.g. headache, weakness, mild fever (<38° C)
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should inform your healthcare professional immediately.
  • Heart problems. Your doctor may arrange for a test to check your heart function once every few months while you are on this treatment. Symptoms of this include:
    • Persistent cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
    • Swelling of hand or leg
  • Flu-like symptoms that worsen or do not go away
  • Allergic reactions. Please alert your nurse if you experience allergic reactions during your treatment. The symptoms of this include one or more of the following:
    • Chills, rigors
    • Facial flushing
    • Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
    • Difficulty in breathing
    • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

Before taking Trastuzumab , what precautions must I follow?

​Inform your healthcare professional if:

  • You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
  • You are pregnant or planning for pregnancy.
    • You should use effective birth control during treatment and for 7 months after your last treatment.
  • You are breastfeeding.
    • Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 7 months after your last treatment.
  • You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Trastuzumab ?

Trastuzumab - Dosage and How to Use

How should Trastuzumab be used?

It is given as an injection into your vein (intravenous) or into the fatty tissue under the skin (subcutaneous).

What should I do if I miss a dose?

What should I do if I overdose?

Trastuzumab - Handling

How should I handle Trastuzumab safely?

Trastuzumab - Storage

How should I store Trastuzumab ?

How should I dispose of Trastuzumab safely?

Trastuzumab - Additional Information

  • Tags: Trastuzumab
  • Updated on 11/30/2020 12:00:00 AM
  • Article contributed by PSS National Medication Information Workgroup PSS National Medication Information Workgroup
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

​The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

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