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General Medication Fact Sheet for Herceptin
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Medication Name | Herceptin |
| Generic Name | Trastuzumab |
| Boxed/Label Warning | Cardiomyopathy, infusion reactions, pulmonary toxicity, embryo-fetal toxicity |
| Purpose | Treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer and HER2-positive gastric cancer |
| Mechanism of Action | Binds to the HER2 receptor, inhibiting cell growth and signaling |
| Dosage Forms | Injection (vial for intravenous administration) |
| Available Strengths | 150 mg/vial, 420 mg/vial |
| Dosage Frequency | Typically administered weekly or every three weeks, as directed by a healthcare provider |
| Common Side Effects | Infusion reactions (fever, chills, nausea), diarrhea, infections, cough, headache, fatigue |
| Serious Side Effects | Cardiomyopathy, pulmonary toxicity, severe infusion reactions, hypersensitivity reactions |
| Drug Interactions | Anthracyclines (e.g., doxorubicin), certain chemotherapy regimens |
| Important Notes | Monitor cardiac function before, during, and after treatment; report any signs of heart failure or breathing problems immediately; pregnancy testing is recommended prior to treatment. |
| Storage | Store vials in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) in the original carton to protect from light. |
| Missed Dose | Contact your healthcare provider immediately for instructions on rescheduling your next infusion. Do not attempt to double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Perjeta (pertuzumab), Kadcyla (ado-trastuzumab emtansine), Tykerb (lapatinib) |
Herceptin Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Perjeta (pertuzumab) | Binds to a different site on the HER2 receptor, inhibiting dimerization | Often used in combination with Herceptin and chemotherapy. |
| Kadcyla (ado-trastuzumab emtansine) | Antibody-drug conjugate that delivers chemotherapy directly to HER2-positive cells | Used in patients who have previously received Herceptin and chemotherapy. |
| Tykerb (lapatinib) | Tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks HER2 and EGFR signaling | Oral medication used in combination with other therapies. |
Herceptin Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Infusion reactions (fever, chills, nausea) | Cardiomyopathy (heart muscle weakening) |
| Diarrhea | Pulmonary toxicity (lung problems) |
| Infections | Severe infusion reactions |
| Cough | Hypersensitivity reactions (anaphylaxis) |
| Headache | Embryo-fetal toxicity (harm to unborn baby) |
Herceptin Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| HER2-positive Breast Cancer (Adjuvant) | 8 mg/kg | 6 mg/kg every three weeks or 2 mg/kg weekly | Administered intravenously. Followed by chemotherapy. |
| HER2-positive Breast Cancer (Metastatic) | 8 mg/kg | 6 mg/kg every three weeks or 2 mg/kg weekly | Administered intravenously. May be given with chemotherapy. |
| HER2-positive Gastric Cancer | 8 mg/kg | 6 mg/kg every three weeks | Administered intravenously. Given with chemotherapy. |
Herceptin Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $3,000 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $7,000 |
| From CPS | $4,526 |
