Trastuzumab emtansine is used to treat certain types of breast cancer.
This medicine is used for those whose tumour has spread to other parts of the body, those who have received previous cancer therapy, or those whose cancer has not spread to other parts of the body and treatment will be given after surgery.
Trastuzumab emtansine is to be given intravenously (into the vein) as an infusion. It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of your treatment depending on the type and severity of your condition and your response to the medication.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Trastuzumab emtansine.
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 use Trastuzumab emtansine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- thrombocytopenia (lower than normal platelet count in the blood)
- liver disease
- severe kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with Trastuzumab emtansine. Men should not father a child while being treated with this medicine. Both men and women must use proven birth control methods during Trastuzumab emtansine therapy and for at least 7 months after stopping the treatment. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine and for 7 months after the last dose.
Do not switch between different brands unless advised by your doctor.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Pregnancy tests and hepatitis B screening must be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to use.
- Routine tests (e.g. platelet count, liver and heart function) may be done while you are being treated with Trastuzumab emtansine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of severe side effects may also be needed.
Trastuzumab emtansine may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, chills, nose bleed, muscle pain, and skin itching.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs and symptoms of lung problems e.g. fever, cough, breathlessness, wheezing
- signs and symptoms of heart problems e.g. irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, swelling of ankles or legs
- signs and symptoms of liver problems e.g. yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
- signs and symptoms of severe allergic reactions e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
This medicine may cause the level of your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets to drop.
Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.
White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Inform your doctor if you have a fever, cough, or flu that does not go away.
Platelets help your blood to clot when there is a cut in the skin. A fall in the level of your platelets may put you at risk of bleeding more than usual. Do not take part in activities where you may fall or get injured, such as contact sports. Inform your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises, especially if the bruises appeared on their own) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- blood thinning medicines e.g. warfarin, aspirin
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole
- certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin, telithromycin
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. atazanavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir
- nefazodone (medicine to treat depression)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Trastuzumab emtansine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. Do not freeze Trastuzumab emtansine otherwise, it will no longer be effective and should not be used.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
As Trastuzumab emtansine is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired medicine to the clinic, hospital, or pharmacy for disposal. Do not throw it away in the household waste.
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