Trastuzumab drug is available under the brand name Herceptin. Among others, it is a monoclonal antibody used for the treatment breast and stomach cancer. It is generally used for HER2 receptor positive cancers. It can be used by alone or together with other chemotherapy medication as a combinational therapy. Trastuzumab is adminstered as an infusion into vein (intravenous, IV). First dose of Trastuzumab is given over 90 minutes. If well-tolerated subsequent maintenance doses may be given after 30 minutes. The amount of Trastuzumab that a patient will receive depends on several other factors, including patient height, weight, general health or other associated health problems, and the type of cancer or condition for which he/she is being treated. Expert doctor will determine the complete dose and schedule depending upon case to case scenario.
Trade Name: Herceptin ®
Available Biosimilars: Herzuma®, Kanjinti®, Ogivri®
Common Side Effects of Trastuzumab
Most of the patient do not experience all of the side effects listed. Common Side effects are often predictable in terms of their onset and duration. In general side effects are almost always reversible and will go away after treatment is complete. There are many other options to help minimize or prevent side effects. There are no relationship between the presence or severity of side effects and the effectiveness of the medication. The side effects of Trastuzumab and their severity depend on whether the drug is given in combination with other medications. In other words, Trastuzumab given in combination with other chemotherapy drugs may produce more severe side effects.