Trastuzumab: how to take it safely
Herceptin
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Treats breast and stomach cancers that are HER2 positive.
How to take it
- It is given by drip into a vein, or as an injection under the skin, by a cancer nurse or doctor.
- Your heart is checked before and during treatment.
When to take it
Given every 1 to 3 weeks, as your specialist plans.
Take it with
Not applicable.
What to avoid
- Tell your team if you have heart problems.
- Pregnancy and fathering a child during treatment. Use reliable contraception and ask your team how long to continue it.
- Live vaccines unless your cancer team says so.
- Contact with people who have infections such as chickenpox or flu.
- Alcohol, unless your team says it is safe.
Possible side effects
Fever and chills during the first drip, headache, diarrhoea, tiredness, nausea.
Get help if
Breathlessness, swollen ankles, chest pain, palpitations or a rash during the drip: tell the staff straight away. Fever, signs of infection or unusual bleeding: get urgent help.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.