Trastuzumab is used together with other medicines to treat cancer of the breast and stomach.
Trastuzumab injection is to be given intravenously (into the vein). It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any dose.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Do not take Trastuzumab if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods during treatment and up to 7 months after you stop treatment.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine and up to 7 months after treatment.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease
- lung disease
- kidney disease
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition (e.g. heart function) and check your response to the medication regularly.
Trastuzumab may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, difficulty sleeping, weakness, chills, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, weakness, back pain, joint pain, muscle pain, cough, difficulty breathing, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, skin rash and pain, swelling, and redness at the injection site.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- fever with persistent sore throat or mouth ulcers, unusual bleeding or bruising
- numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet
- swelling of the ankles, feet or hand
- shortness of breath
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Store in a refrigerator (2°C-8°C).
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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