Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .
Chemical Name: TRASTUZUMAB (traz-TWO-ze-mab)
This medicine is a monoclonal antibody used to treat certain types of breast cancer.
WARNING: USE OF THIS MEDICINE may lead to serious heart problems, including heart failure. The risk may be greater in patients who use anthracyclines (such as doxorubicin) with this medicine. Contact your doctor right away if you develop chest pain, irregular heartbeat, persistent cough, sudden unexplained weight gain, or swelling of the ankles or legs. USE OF THIS MEDICINE may also result in serious, sometimes fatal infusion reactions and lung problems. These problems, if they occur, usually happen while the medicine is being given, or within 24 hours of the dose. Tell your doctor right away if you develop swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; severe dizziness or lightheadedness; new or worsening shortness of breath; or difficulty breathing. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are also using anthracyclines (such as doxorubicin) or antineoplastic agents (such as cyclophosphamide). DO NOT START OR STOP ANY MEDICINE without doctor or pharmacist approval. TELL YOUR DOCTOR if have had a reaction (such as rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; shortness of breath; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; wheezing) to a previous dose of this medicine. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including a history of breathing or lung problems, heart problems, high blood pressure, chronic infections, low red or white blood cell counts, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine is usually administered as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if it is cloudy or contains particles after it is mixed. STORE THIS MEDICINE as directed on the prescription label. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, contact your doctor immediately.
DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including heart function and HER2 protein testing may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. This medicine may cause dizziness or lightheadedness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. THIS MEDICINE MAY LOWER YOUR RESISTANCE TO INFECTION. Prevent infection by avoiding contact with people with colds or other infections. Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have thoroughly washed your hands first. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE HAVING IMMUNIZATIONS (VACCINATIONS) while you are using this medicine. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine, especially heart problems. FOR WOMEN: If you are able to become pregnant, you must use effective birth control while using this medicine and for at least 6 months after you stop. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about effective birth control. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE HARM to the human fetus. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while using this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while using this medicine include abnormal skin sensations; back pain; cough; diarrhea; dizziness; headache; loss of appetite; muscle, bone, or joint pain; nose, sinus, or throat inflammation; runny nose; stomach pain; or trouble sleeping. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience a change in the amount of urine produced; mood or mental changes (such as depression); or pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience chest pain; difficult or painful urination; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever or chills; nausea; persistent cough; severe or persistent dizziness, headache, or lightheadedness; new or worsening shortness of breath; skin infection (such as skin discharge, redness, swelling, or warmth); sore throat; sudden unexplained weight gain; swelling of feet or ankles; swelling of hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing; trouble breathing; unusual hoarseness; unusual fatigue or weakness; vomiting; weakness; or wheezing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain local regulations for selecting an appropriate container and properly disposing of the container when it is full.