Trastuzumab Medication Profile

Summary or Key Points

Trastuzumab is a medication primarily used for the treatment of certain types of breast and gastric cancer. It is specifically designed to target and inhibit the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) that promotes the growth of cancer cells. Understanding this medication’s dosing, potential side effects, and interactions is critical to manage your treatment effectively.

Names of Medication

Brand Name: Herceptin
Generic Name: Trastuzumab (in parenthesis)

A generic name refers to the official medical name for the active ingredient in the medication. Here, Trastuzumab is the generic name, listed in parenthesis.

Pharmacologic Category

Trastuzumab falls under the pharmacologic category of monoclonal antibodies and HER2/neu inhibitors. Other medications in this category include Pertuzumab and Ado-trastuzumab emtansine.

Dosing

Indications and dosing for Trastuzumab are:

• Breast Cancer: The usual dose is 4 mg/kg as an intravenous infusion over 90 minutes, followed by subsequent doses of 2 mg/kg over 30 minutes once a week. The length of treatment is usually until disease progression.
• Gastric Cancer: The initial dose is 8 mg/kg as an intravenous infusion over 90 minutes, followed by subsequent doses of 6 mg/kg over 30-90 minutes every three weeks until disease progression.

Always consult your healthcare provider, who you can reach through our telemedicine services, before adjusting your dose.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Trastuzumab is available in single-dose vials containing either 150mg or 420mg of Trastuzumab for reconstitution and dilution for intravenous infusion.

Administration Instructions

Trastuzumab should be administered by a healthcare professional with appropriate medical support to manage any potential side effects. It is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion and the first dose is typically administered over 90 minutes. If the first dose is well tolerated, subsequent doses can be given over a shorter period (30-90 minutes).

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

Common side effects of Trastuzumab may include fever, nausea, diarrhea, infections, increased cough, headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, rash, and heart problems. Severe side effects include weakening of the heart muscle, severe allergic reactions, lung problems, and severe infusion reactions. Always report any unusual or severe reactions to your healthcare provider immediately.

Contraindications

Contraindications are conditions or factors that serve as a reason to withhold a certain medical treatment due to the harm that it would cause the patient. Trastuzumab is contraindicated in patients with known severe hypersensitivity to Trastuzumab or any of its ingredients. It is also contraindicated in patients with severe heart problems due to the risk of further heart damage.

Drug to Drug Interactions

Trastuzumab may interact with the following medications:

• Anthracyclines (Doxorubicin)
• Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)
• Paclitaxel (Taxol)
• Docetaxel (Taxotere)

Always inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.

Trastuzumab in Pregnancy

Trastuzumab may cause harm to the fetus when administered to a pregnant woman. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss this with your healthcare provider before starting treatment.

Trastuzumab while Breastfeeding

It is not known whether Trastuzumab is excreted in human milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue Trastuzumab, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Estimated Cost of Medication

The estimated cost for a 30-day supply of Trastuzumab can range from $5,000 to $6,000 based on GoodRx. However, the actual cost may vary depending on your pharmacy and insurance plan.

Possible Alternatives

Possible alternatives for breast and gastric cancer treatment include other medications like Paclitaxel (Taxol), Docetaxel (Taxotere), and Capecitabine (Xeloda). Additionally, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and limiting alcohol may be beneficial. Always discuss these alternatives with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan.

Recent Updates on Trastuzumab Research

Recent research on Trastuzumab has focused on its potential use in combination with other drugs for more effective treatment. One such study is looking at the effectiveness of Trastuzumab in combination with Pertuzumab and Docetaxel for the treatment of early-stage breast cancer. Remember, ongoing research and clinical trials are essential for enhancing treatment outcomes and patient survival rates.

If you have any questions or need further clarification, our telemedicine providers are ready to assist you.

Brief Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.