Trastuzumab

Drug Name: Trastuzumab

Drug Class: It is a targeted therapy drug

Available under the brand name: Herceptin

What Is It Prescribed For?

For the treatment of cancers that have shown Her-2 receptor-positive (HER 2 is a protein that promotes the growth of cancer cells).

• Her-2 positive breast cancer in neoadjuvant, adjuvant & metastatic settings
• Her-2 positive metastatic stomach cancer

How Is It Given?

It is given as an infusion into a vein over 30 min, once every 1 – 3 weeks depending on the regime.

What Are Common Side Effects?

You may face some of the below side effects:

• Fever
• Chills
• Redness and rashes of the skin
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Weight loss
• Nausea 
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Congestive heart failure
• Diarrhea
• Cough
• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Low blood count

Your doctor can prescribe medications to manage these side effects. Trastuzumab may also cause other side effects. If you face any unusual or serious problems, inform your doctor immediately.

Who Should Avoid Taking This Drug?

None

How Much Does This Drug Cost?

Available in 440 mg & 150 mg vials. Depending on the brand, the cost of Trastuzumab 440mg can range between INR 30,000 – INR 1,15,000 per vial.