Herceptin SC (Trastuzumab)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Herceptin SC Used For?
Herceptin SC contains trastuzumab, a laboratory-made protein designed to fight specific types of breast cancer. It belongs to a group of cancer-fighting medicines called monoclonal antibodies.
Primary Uses
Herceptin SC treats HER2-positive breast cancer in different stages: early breast cancer after surgery, locally advanced breast cancer, and metastatic (spreading) breast cancer. It’s only used when your tumor tests positive for HER2 protein. It may be used alone or combined with other breast cancer treatments like hormone therapy or chemotherapy drugs.
How It Works
Herceptin SC works by binding to a protein called HER2 that’s found in large amounts on some cancer cells. When it attaches to these HER2 receptors, it stops the cancer cells from growing and spreading throughout your body.
Targeted Treatment: This medicine specifically targets HER2-positive cancer cells, making it a precise treatment option for your specific type of breast cancer.
How to Take Herceptin SC
Herceptin SC is given as an injection under your skin by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or clinic setting. You cannot take this medication at home.
Dosage Instructions
The standard dose is 600 mg given as a subcutaneous injection over 2 to 5 minutes every three weeks. The injection alternates between your left and right thigh, with new injections placed at least 2.5 cm away from previous injection sites. Your doctor will determine how long you need treatment based on your response and disease status.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Since Herceptin SC is given under medical supervision, you’re unlikely to miss a dose. However, if you forget or miss your appointment, schedule another appointment as soon as possible. Your doctor will decide when your next dose should be given.
Professional Administration Only: This medication must be prepared and given by healthcare professionals only. Never attempt to inject this medication yourself.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- injection site pain or reaction
- getting tired easily after light activity
- shortness of breath when lying down
- runny or blocked nose
- difficulty sleeping
- confusion
- muscle and joint weakness or soreness
- increased cough
- dizziness, tiredness, pale appearance
- flu-like symptoms and frequent infections
- hot flushes
- diarrhea
- weight changes
- decreased appetite
- hand-foot syndrome (redness, dryness, peeling)
- unusual hair loss or thinning
- nail problems
- eye problems (excess tears, swollen eyes, conjunctivitis)
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat with breathing difficulty
- severe swelling of hands, feet, or legs
- severe shortness of breath or wheezing
- abnormal or irregular heartbeat
- severe chest pain spreading to arms, neck, or shoulders
- rash, itching, or hives
- severe nausea or vomiting
- fever or chills
- severe coughing
Important Warnings
Before starting Herceptin SC, your doctor needs to know about your medical history and current health conditions to ensure this treatment is safe for you.
Who Should Not Take Herceptin SC
Do not use Herceptin SC if you’re allergic to trastuzumab or any ingredients in the medication, or if you have non-metastatic breast cancer with heart function problems (LVEF less than 45%) or symptoms of heart failure like shortness of breath, easy fatigue, or swelling.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have heart problems (heart disease, irregular heartbeat, heart failure, high blood pressure), previous treatment with anthracycline chemotherapy drugs like doxorubicin, breathing or lung problems, or allergies to other medications or substances.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Herceptin SC may harm an unborn baby. Use effective contraception during treatment and for 7 months after stopping. If you become pregnant during treatment, tell your doctor immediately. Stop breastfeeding during treatment and don’t restart until 7 months after completing treatment.
Heart Monitoring Required: Your doctor will closely monitor your heart function before, during, and potentially for years after treatment due to potential heart-related side effects.
Drug Interactions
Herceptin SC can interact with other medications, particularly cancer treatments, which may increase your risk of certain side effects.
Long-lasting Effects: Herceptin SC can remain in your body for up to 7 months after treatment ends. Inform any new doctors about your Herceptin SC treatment during this period.
- gemcitabine (increased lung problem risk)
- vinorelbine (increased lung problem risk)
- taxane chemotherapy drugs (increased lung problem risk)
- radiation therapy (increased lung problem risk)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious about activities requiring alertness while receiving Herceptin SC treatment, as side effects may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
Alcohol
Discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor, as it may interact with your overall treatment plan and potentially affect your heart health.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how Herceptin SC affects you. If you experience symptoms during treatment, avoid driving or operating machinery.
Storage
Herceptin SC is stored by healthcare professionals in hospital or clinic pharmacies. It must be kept refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C, never frozen, and protected from light in its original carton.
Overdose Information
Since Herceptin SC is given under medical supervision, overdose is unlikely. However, if you experience any unusual side effects after receiving your injection, tell your doctor immediately. Healthcare professionals monitor the exact dosing to prevent overdose situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your doctor will decide how long you should receive Herceptin SC based on your response to treatment and the state of your disease. Treatment duration varies for each patient.
Yes, Herceptin SC may be used alone or combined with other breast cancer treatments like hormone therapy or chemotherapy drugs such as taxanes. Your doctor will determine the best combination for your specific situation.
Your doctor will monitor your heart function closely before and during treatment with Herceptin SC. Heart monitoring may continue for years after treatment ends due to potential long-term effects.
Contact your doctor immediately or go to the nearest emergency department if you experience severe shortness of breath, wheezing, or trouble breathing, as these can be serious side effects requiring urgent medical attention.
Herceptin SC can remain in your body for up to 7 months after stopping treatment. You should inform any new doctors about your Herceptin SC treatment during this period.
You should use effective contraception to avoid pregnancy during treatment and for 7 months after stopping Herceptin SC, as it may harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant during treatment.
Herceptin SC is only used for patients whose breast cancer tumor has tested positive for HER2 protein. Your doctor will have performed this test to determine if this treatment is appropriate for you.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.