Herceptin (Trastuzumab)

Herceptin Information

Herceptin is a medication that is used in cancer patients. It is used to treat breast cancer and metastatic stomach cancer. It slows down the growth of cancer cells in the body. It also will keep the cancer cells from growing in your body. These are the main reasons this medication is used for but they also may be used for other reasons not listed.

Herceptin Warnings

There are some things that need to be considered before you start using Herceptin. This medicine could harm an unborn infant. Make sure that you inform your doctor if you are pregnant. It is a good idea to use birth control while you are taking Herceptin. If you have ever had a heart attack, congested heart failure or any other heart problems then you may not be able to take Herceptin.  Or you may be able to take it another dosage. If you have the medicine ingested and you start feeling faint or dizzy or have trouble breathing say so right away.

Herceptin Intake guidelines

Herceptin is giving through an IV. It will be in a clinic or a hospital. It will take about an hour and a half for the medication to drip into your veins. It is given once a week.

Herceptin Dosage

The dosage is decided by your doctor depending on your needs.

Herceptin Overdose

Because this medication is always given in a hospital setting the chance of an accidental overdose is minimum, but if you feel like you were given to much tell someone right away.

Herceptin Missed Dose

If you miss your scheduled appointment for your IV dose of Herceptin then call and reschedule.

Herceptin Side Effects

As in most medications there is always the possibility of side effects. As we said above if you start to have trouble breathing, feel like fainting, dizzy or light headed tell the person that is administering the drug right away. If your face, your lips, your tongue or your throat starts to swell you may be having an allergic reaction.

Major Side Effects

1. Fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms
2. White patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips
3. Wheezing or coughing.
4. Swelling, Fast weight gain
5. Feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion
6. Fast or pounding heartbeats
7. Chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling

Minor Side Effects

1. Tired feeling
2. Joint or muscle pains
3. Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
4. Headache or sore throat.

If you are having any of these side effects contact your doctor and they may be able to give you something to ease these effects.

Herceptin Drug Reactions

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