What is this medication for?
Trastuzumab belongs to the group of cancer-fighting medications known as monoclonal antibodies. It is used to treat certain types of breast cancer that produce a substance known as HER2 protein. It is also used in combination with other medications for the treatment of certain types of breast cancer that do not produce the HER2 protein.
Trastuzumab fights breast cancer by seeking out and killing the specific types of cancer cells that carry this protein. It can be used either by itself or in combination with chemotherapy.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you are not sure why you are receiving this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop receiving this medication without consulting your doctor.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Herceptin® is available as:
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended dose and dosing schedule of trastuzumab varies according to body size. It is injected into a vein through a specially prepared site on your skin.
Very careful handling of this medication is required. It is always given under the supervision of a doctor in a hospital or similar setting with access to sterile equipment for preparation.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Trastuzumab should not be used by anyone who:
- is allergic to trastuzumab or to any of the ingredients of the medication
- is allergic to Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell proteins or any of components of this product