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.

Herceptin Tablet Uses

Key Benefits

  • Specifically targets cancer cells with HER2 overexpression
  • Slows or stops tumor growth
  • May be used alongside chemotherapy or other therapies

Commenly Used For

  • 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, gastric adenocarcinoma, or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma who overexpress HER2.
  • The medication is used to treat HER2-positive breast cancer and stop cancer from growing.
  • Herceptin is used along with other cancer medications when used to treat stomach cancer. Herceptin is only licenced for adult use
  • Herceptin is an anticancer drug that targets the HER2 gene. It binds to HER2 receptors (docking stations) on cancer cells, preventing them from growing.
  • In order to minimise the risk of breast cancer returning from earlier stages of HER2-positive breast cancer, either as part of a chemotherapy protocol or alone after an anthracycline-containing chemotherapy regimen (recurrence).

Conditions Herceptin Treats

  • HER2-positive early-stage breast cancer
  • HER2-positive metastatic (advanced) breast cancer
  • HER2-positive metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer

How does it work?

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:

  • Slows cell growth
  • Marks cancer cells for destruction by the immune system
  • Enhances the effects of chemotherapy

Dosage

Dosage Instructions:

  • Administered via intravenous (IV) infusion in a clinic or hospital
  • Initial loading dose followed by maintenance doses (e.g., every 1 to 3 weeks)
  • Dosage depends on weight and treatment plan

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.

What Happens in Case of Overdose?

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:

  • Chills or fever
  • Heart problems
  • Infusion reactions

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What are the Herceptin Side Effects?

Common Side Effects of Herceptin

  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Urinary tract
  • Insomnia
  • Cough
  • Rash
  • Fluid retention
  • Hot flashes
  • Back, joint or abdominal pain
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Depression

Some of the serious side effects of Herceptin

  • Anemia
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Low levels of platelets
  • Sores that take longer than usual to heal
  • Blood clot
  • Swelling
  • Loss of strength
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Muscle cramps
  • Acute kidney failure
  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • Allergic reactions
  • Heart problems

Note:

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

Precautions and Warnings

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.

Warnings for some Serious Health Conditions

  • Pregnancy and Contraception: A baby growing in the womb could be affected by this medicine. It is important to prevent getting pregnant while taking this medicine and for at least 7 months afterwards. Before beginning treatment, speak to your doctor or nurse about successful contraception. Following treatment with this medication, you might not be able to become pregnant. If you think you would want to have a baby in the future, talk to your doctor before beginning treatment.
  • Breastfeeding: Avoid breastfeeding your child if you are on this treatment. As this medicine can pass into the breastmilk and cause some serious problems to the infant.

Use With Caution If You Have

  • A history of heart disease
  • Poor cardiac function or congestive heart failure
  • Pulmonary (lung) issues

Alcohol or Food Interactions

  • No known food interactions
  • Alcohol doesn't directly interfere with Herceptin, but excessive alcohol use may worsen side effects (especially cardiac)

Possible Interactions with Other Medications

Can Interact With

  • Anthracycline chemotherapy drugs (e.g., doxorubicin) - increased risk of heart damage
  • Other cancer therapies or immunosuppressants

Always inform your oncologist about all medications, including over-the-counter and supplements.

How to take Herceptin?

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:

  • 150 mg powder in a single dose which can be mixed with a liquid solution.
  • 420 mg powder in multiple doses which can be mixed with liquid solution.

How Should Herceptin Be Stored?

Recommended Storage

  • Healthcare providers store Herceptin vials refrigerated between 2°C-8°C (36°F-46°F)
  • It should not be frozen or shaken
  • Prepared solutions are typically used within a specific time window

What Happens If Not Stored Properly?

  • Can lose effectiveness
  • May increase the risk of adverse reactions

Herceptin vs Kadcyla

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:
  • Headache
  • Urinary tract
  • Insomnia
Some of the common side effects of Kadcyla are:
  • Muscle pain
  • constipation
  • Nerve damage

References

Diosmin and Diosmetin Are Agonists of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor That Differentially Affect Cytochrome P450 1A1 Activity
Herceptin (Trastuzumab): Side Effects, How it Works, and More
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Frequently Asked Questions

Herceptin 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.

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