Trastuzumab and Hyaluronidase-oysk Injection

pronounced as (tras tooz' ue mab hye" al ure on' i dase)

Brand Name(s): Herceptin Hylecta®

Why is this medicine prescribed?

Trastuzumab and hyaluronidase-oysk injection is used along with other medications or after other medications have already been used to treat a certain type of breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Trastuzumab and hyaluronidase-oysk injection is also used during and after treatment with other medications to decrease the chance that a certain type of breast cancer will return. Trastuzumab and hyaluronidase-oysk injection is in a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. It works by stopping the growth of cancer cells.

Are there other uses for this medicine?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Trastuzumab and hyaluronidase-oysk injection comes as a liquid to be injected under the skin in the thigh over 2 to 5 minutes. Trastuzumab and hyaluronidase-oysk injection is given by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or medical facility. It is usually given once every 3 weeks. The length of your treatment will depend on the condition that you have and how well your body responds to treatment.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before receiving trastuzumab and hyaluronidase-oysk injection,

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to trastuzumab, hyaluronidase (Amphadase, Vitrase), any other medications, or any of the ingredients in trastuzumab and hyaluronidase-oysk injection.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take while receiving trastuzumab and hyaluronidase-oysk injection. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any of the conditions mentioned in the IMPORTANT WARNING section or any other medical condition.
  • tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
  • if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are receiving trastuzumab and hyaluronidase-oysk injection.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do if I forget to take a dose?

Call your doctor right away if you are unable to keep an appointment to receive a dose of trastuzumab and hyaluronidase-oysk injection.

What side effects can this medicine cause?

Trastuzumab and hyaluronidase-oysk injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • diarrhea
  • constipation
  • stomach pain
  • heartburn
  • loss of appetite
  • changes in taste
  • mouth sores
  • arm, leg, back, bone, joint, or muscle pain
  • pain or redness in the area where the medication was injected
  • hair loss
  • difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
  • hot flashes
  • numbness, burning, or tingling in the arms, hands, feet, or legs
  • changes in the appearance of nails
  • acne
  • depression

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:

  • sore throat, fever, chills, difficult or painful urination, and other signs of infection
  • nosebleeds or other unusual bruising or bleeding
  • excessive tiredness
  • pale skin
  • nausea; vomiting; loss of appetite; fatigue; rapid heartbeat; dark urine; decreased amount of urine; stomach pain; seizures; hallucinations; or muscle cramps and spasms

Trastuzumab and hyaluronidase-oysk injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch ) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

What other information should I know?

Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about trastuzumab and hyaluronidase-oysk injection.

Your doctor will order a lab test before you begin your treatment to see whether your cancer can be treated with trastuzumab and hyaluronidase-oysk.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

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