Trastuzumab Injection

pronounced as (tras too' zoo mab)

Brand Name(s): Herceptin® (trastuzumab), Hercessi® (trastuzumab-strf), Herzuma® (trastuzumab-pkrb), Kanjinti® (trastuzumab-anns), Ogivri® (trastuzumab-dkst), Onturzant® (trastuzumab-dttb), Trazimera®(trastuzumab-qyyp)

Why is this medicine prescribed?

Trastuzumab injection is used to treat certain types of breast and stomach cancers. Trastuzumab 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 injection comes as a powder to be mixed with a liquid and injected slowly into a vein over 30 to 90 minutes. Trastuzumab injections are usually given by a doctor or nurse in a medical facility. Your doctor will tell you how often you will receive trastuzumab injection. The schedule depends on the condition you have and on how your body responds to the medication. The length of your treatment depends on how well your body responds to the medication and the side effects that you experience.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before receiving trastuzumab injection,

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to this drug, any part of this drug, or any other drugs, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. 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 breast-feeding.
  • if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are receiving trastuzumab 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 injection.

What side effects can this medicine cause?

Trastuzumab 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
  • back, bone, joint, or muscle pain
  • 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, difficulty urinating, pain when urinating, and other signs of infection
  • nosebleeds and other unusual bruising or bleeding
  • excessive tiredness
  • pale skin
  • nausea; vomiting; loss of appetite; fatigue; rapid heart beat; dark urine; decreased amount of urine; stomach pain; seizures; hallucinations; or muscle cramps and spasms

Trastuzumab injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are 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 ( https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch ) or by phone (

1-800-332-1088).

What other information should I know?

Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.

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