Herceptin Tablet: Benefits, Dosage and Side Effects
Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Suneel Kumar M, Oncology
Herceptin is a prescription drug brand name that is FDA-approved medication for HER2-positive cancer in the breast (the cancer cells have abnormally high levels of a protein called HER2). Herceptin is used as an adjuvant drug in this situation (a therapy used to prevent cancer from returning).
HER2-positive breast cancer is metastatic. HER2-positive Metastatic adenocarcinoma gastric (stomach) cancer or gastroesophageal junction cancer.
Commenly Used For
Herceptin works by blocking the effects of HER2 receptor and encouraging the immune system (the body's natural defenses) to attack and kill the cancer cells.
This receptor helps cancer cells grow rapidly. Herceptin blocks this signal and:
Dosage Instructions:
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
It's important to take this drug exactly when it's meant to be taken. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible to get a new dosing schedule.
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Herceptin tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body's functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Overdose Symptoms:
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This drug has been prescribed by your doctor and he or she has decided that the value is greater than the risk of side effects. There are no significant side effects for many people who take this drug. Herceptin can give your urine, tears, and sweat a reddish colour.
This effect may begin within the first hours of treatment and may last for up to a few days. This is a natural drug reaction and should not be confused with blood in your urine
Before using Herceptin, talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The product may contain some inactive ingredients which can cause some serious allergic reactions or some other serious problems. Before using Herceptin talk with your doctor if you are having any medical history such as Heart disease, Lung problems, radiation treatment and any recent infections.
Always inform your oncologist about all medications, including over-the-counter and supplements.
Herceptin is delivered into the vein through infusion (intravenous, IV). The first dose is taken over a span of 90 minutes. If subsequent maintenance doses are well-tolerated, over 30 minutes can be administered. The amount of Herceptin you'll get is determined by a number of factors, including your height and weight, general health or other health conditions, and the type of cancer or disease you're treating.
Herceptin is available in two strengths:
| Herceptin | Kadcyla |
|---|---|
| Herceptin is an anticancer drug that targets the HER2 gene. It binds to HER2 receptors (docking stations) on cancer cells, preventing them from growing. | Kadcyla is a mixture of Herceptin with emtansine, a chemotherapy drug. Doctors call Kadcyla a targeted treatment with an antibody-drug conjugate. Emtansine is attached to Herceptin (conjugated). |
| Herceptin is used as an adjuvant drug for HER2 overexpressing breast cancer to prevent a recurrence. It's also used to treat patients with metastatic breast cancer or gastric adenocarcinoma | Kadcyla will function in people who have been previously treated with Herceptin and taxane chemotherapy for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. |
Some of the common side effects of Herceptin are:
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Some of the common side effects of Kadcyla are:
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040-68334455Herceptin is an intravenous drug that forms part of a chemotherapy regimen used to prevent breast cancer recurrence and to treat breast cancer that has spread outside of the breast (metastasized). It belongs to a class of medicines referred to as monoclonal antibodies.
The following are examples of targeted immunotherapy drugs used to treat breast cancer: Enhertu (chemical name: fam-trastuzumab-deruxtecan-nxki) Herceptin is a drug that is used to treat cancer (chemical name: trastuzumab) Herceptin Hylecta Corporation (injectable Herceptin).
The bulk of Herceptin will be extracted from your body in 9.35 days. For a large 500 mg dose of Herceptin given once weekly, with an average half-life of 12 days, it will take 66 days to extract most of the Herceptin from your body.
The bulk of Herceptin will be extracted from your body in 9 days. For a large 500 mg dose of Herceptin given once weekly, with an average half-life of 12 days, it will take 66 days to extract most of the Herceptin from your body.
Herceptin 440mg is used to treat certain types of breast cancer and stomach cancer. It works by targeting and blocking the HER2/neu receptor, which can promote the growth of cancer cells.
Herceptin infusion is given intravenously (IV) in a clinical setting. The medication is administered slowly through a vein over a period of time, usually taking 30 to 90 minutes.
Herceptin Hylecta is a combination of Herceptin and hyaluronidase-oysk, administered via a subcutaneous injection. It provides a faster and more convenient alternative to the traditional IV infusion of Herceptin.
Disclaimer: The information provided is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge. However, it should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or consultation. We do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The absence of specific warnings does not mean a medicine is safe for all users. We are not responsible for any outcomes based on this information and strongly recommend consulting a doctor for any medical concerns or questions.