Active constituent: Trastuzumab
Indications:
- Advanced and metastatic breast cancer in HER2 positive patients.
- Metastatic gastric cancer with increased levels of HER2 proteins.
Mechanism of action:
- Targeted therapy that selectively binds to HER2 proteins, stopping the growth of cancer cells.
Administration:
- Administered intravenously.
- First infusion for 90 minutes, subsequent infusions within 30 minutes if well tolerated.
Safety precautions:
- Not recommended for patients under 18, those with severe breathing problems, or those needing oxygen treatment.
- Inform physician about all medications, including supplements and herbal medicines.
- Use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 7 months after the final dose.
- Discuss pregnancy and breastfeeding plans with physician.
- Monitor heart parameters regularly during treatment.
Contraindications:
- Patients with heart problems, breathlessness, or history of other cancer treatment should inform their physician.
- Not recommended for patients with severe breathing problems or those needing oxygen treatment.
Side effects:
- Serious: heart problems, allergic reactions, kidney problems, breathing difficulties.
- Common: fever, visual disturbances, nose bleeds or runny nose, hair loss, dizziness, nail disorders, weight loss, loss of appetite, bruising, dry mouth, liver inflammation, muscle pain, asthma/lung disorders.
Important advice:
- Inform physician about history of allergic reactions.
- Inform physician about lung disorders or breathing problems.
- Avoid pregnancy and breastfeeding for at least 7 months after treatment.
- Regular heart check-ups are advised.
FAQ:
Q1: Is Trasturel 150mg Injection used as a monotherapy in treating breast cancer? A: No, it is generally given along with chemotherapy medications such as paclitaxel or docetaxel or platinum compounds. Sometimes it is also given with hormonal agents for those patients with elevated hormonal status.
Q2: Does Trasturel 150mg Injection cause heart problems? A: Yes, it can damage the heart muscles. Hence, it is advised to do heart check-ups every 3 months and continue till 2-5 years after the treatment completion.
Q3: Can I breastfeed while on treatment with Trasturel 150mg Injection? A: No, since it tends to pass into breast milk, it is unsafe to breastfeed. Hence, it is advised not to breastfeed for a minimum of 7 months after the treatment with Trasturel 150mg Injection.
Q4: Can Trasturel 150mg Injection be consumed during pregnancy? A: No, it is unsafe to consume Trasturel 150mg Injection while you are pregnant as it can cause harm to the baby. If you are planning for pregnancy, it is advised to discuss birth control methods with your physician.
Fact box:
- Molecule name: Trastuzumab
- Therapeutic class: Anti-cancer
- Pharmacological class: HER2 inhibitor
- Indications:
- Advanced and metastatic breast cancer
- Metastatic gastric cancer