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Trastuzumab; Hyaluronidase injection

What is this medication?

TRASTUZUMAB; HYALURONIDASE (tras TOO zoo mab / hye al ur ON i dase) is used to treat breast cancer and stomach cancer. Trastuzumab is a monoclonal antibody. Hyaluronidase is used to improve the effects of trastuzumab.

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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): HERCEPTIN HYLECTA

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • heart disease
  • heart failure
  • lung or breathing disease, like asthma
  • an unusual or allergic reaction to trastuzumab, or other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is for injection under the skin. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. This medicine is not approved for use in children.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss a dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medication?

This medicine may interact with the following medications:

  • certain types of chemotherapy, such as daunorubicin, doxorubicin, epirubicin, and idarubicin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your doctor for checks on your progress. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your doctor tells you to stop.

Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

You may experience fever, chills and shaking during your first infusion. These effects are usually mild and can be treated with other medicines. Report any side effects during the infusion to your health care professional. Fever and chills usually do not happen with later infusions.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine or for 7 months after stopping it. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. Women of child-bearing potential will need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this medicine. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine or for 7 months after stopping it.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
  • breathing problems
  • chest pain or palpitations
  • cough
  • fever
  • general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms
  • signs of worsening heart failure like breathing problems; swelling in your legs and feet

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • bone pain
  • changes in taste
  • diarrhea
  • joint pain
  • nausea/vomiting
  • unusually weak or tired
  • weight loss

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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