Trastuzumab IV

Trastuzumab IV Warning

Trastuzumab may lead to serious heart problems, including heart failure. The risk of heart problems is increased if you also use an anthracycline (e.g., doxorubicin). Your doctor may need to stop this medication if heart problems occur.

Trastuzumab use may sometimes result in a serious reaction to the IV infusion with serious lung problems. If these problems occur, they usually happen while the drug is being given or within 24 hours of the dose. If you have trouble breathing or severe dizziness/fainting, tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately because your IV infusion may need to be stopped.

See also Side Effects section.

Trastuzumab IV Side Effects

Diarrhea, redness/irritation at injection (IV) site, muscle/joint/back pain, stomach/abdominal pain, trouble sleeping, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite may occur. Nausea and vomiting can be severe. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Eating several small meals, not eating before treatment, or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects. If these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

• bone pain
• increased coughing
• swelling of the hands/ankles/feet
• trouble breathing
• unusual tiredness
• severe headache
• severe dizziness
• tingling/numbness (e.g., in the hands, feet, leg)
• mental/mood changes
• fast/pounding heartbeat

Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:

• weakness on one side of the body
• slurred speech
• vision changes
• confusion

This medication can lower the body's ability to fight an infection. Tell your doctor promptly if you develop any signs of an infection such as fever, chills, or persistent sore throat.