Drug Detail:Trastuzumab (Trastuzumab [ tras-too-zoo-mab ])
Generic Name: Trastuzumab-anns [ tras-TU-zoo-mab ]
Drug Class: HER2 inhibitors
Warning
- Very bad infusion reactions have happened with this medicine (trastuzumab-anns). Most of the reactions happened during or within 24 hours after the infusion. Sometimes, these have been deadly. Talk with the doctor.
- This medicine may raise the chance of severe and sometimes deadly heart problems. The chance may be higher if you are using daunorubicin, doxorubicin, epirubicin, idarubicin, or mitoxantrone. The chance may also be higher if you use them after getting this medicine (trastuzumab-anns). Call your doctor right away if you have signs of heart problems. This includes a cough or shortness of breath that is new or worse, swelling of the ankles or legs, an abnormal heartbeat, weight gain of more than 5 pounds in 24 hours, dizziness, or passing out.
- You will need to have heart function tests while taking this medicine (trastuzumab-anns). Talk with the doctor.
- Severe lung problems have happened during or within 24 hours after getting this medicine (trastuzumab-anns). Sometimes, lung problems have been deadly. Call your doctor right away if you have lung or breathing problems like trouble breathing, shortness of breath, or a cough that is new or worse.
- This medicine may cause harm to the unborn baby or loss of the unborn baby if you take it while you are pregnant or if you get pregnant within 7 months after your last dose.
- Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine (trastuzumab-anns) and for at least 7 months after stopping this medicine (trastuzumab-anns).
- If you get pregnant while taking this medicine (trastuzumab-anns) or within 7 months after your last dose, call your doctor right away.
Uses of Trastuzumab-anns:
- It is used to treat breast cancer.
- It is used to treat stomach cancer.
- It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Trastuzumab-anns?
- If you are allergic to this medicine (trastuzumab-anns); any part of this medicine (trastuzumab-anns); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you have had daunorubicin, doxorubicin, epirubicin, idarubicin, or mitoxantrone before, talk with your doctor.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (trastuzumab-anns).
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (trastuzumab-anns) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Trastuzumab-anns?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (trastuzumab-anns). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
- Low white blood cell counts have happened more often in people getting this medicine (trastuzumab-anns) with chemo compared to people getting only chemo. Low white blood cell counts may raise the chance of getting an infection. If you have questions, talk with your doctor.
- If you are 65 or older, use this medicine (trastuzumab-anns) with care. You could have more side effects.
- If you are able to get pregnant, a pregnancy test will be done to show that you are NOT pregnant before starting this medicine (trastuzumab-anns). Talk with your doctor.
- Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.
How is this medicine (Trastuzumab-anns) best taken?
Use this medicine (trastuzumab-anns) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- It is given as an infusion into a vein over a period of time.
- Other drugs may be given before this medicine (trastuzumab-anns) to help avoid side effects.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Call your doctor to find out what to do.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of infection like fever, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, or wound that will not heal.
- Signs of high or low blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
- Any unexplained bruising or bleeding.
- A burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.
- Low mood (depression).
What are some other side effects of Trastuzumab-anns?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Feeling tired or weak.
- Stomach pain.
- Headache.
- Weight loss.
- Change in taste.
- Back, bone, joint, or muscle pain.
- Trouble sleeping.
- Signs of a common cold.
- Nose or throat irritation.
- Flu-like signs.
- Mouth irritation or mouth sores.
- Diarrhea, throwing up, upset stomach, and feeling less hungry are common with this medicine (trastuzumab-anns). If these happen, talk with your doctor about ways to lower these side effects. Call your doctor right away if any of these effects bother you, do not get better, or get very bad.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Trastuzumab-anns?
- If you need to store this medicine (trastuzumab-anns) at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine (trastuzumab-anns), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Frequently asked questions
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