Trastuzumab - Intravenous

Trastuzumab is used to treat cancer of the breast, stomach, and portion of the food pipe that joins the stomach.

This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.

Trastuzumab injection 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 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.

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 if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.

Alert your doctor if you have severe breathing problems at rest due to your cancer as Trastuzumab may not be suitable for you.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• lung disease
• heart disease e.g. heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood), high blood pressure

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with Trastuzumab. You must use proven birth control methods during Trastuzumab therapy and for at least 7 months after stopping the treatment. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.

If you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor. You should not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 7 months after stopping the treatment.

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 screening for the presence of "HER2-positive" form of breast, stomach or portion of the food pipe that joins the stomach cancer must be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to use.
• Routine tests (e.g. heart function) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
• Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of infusion-related reactions may also be needed.

Trastuzumab may cause dizziness and sleepiness. 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: nausea, vomiting, tiredness, chills, nosebleed, muscle pain, loss of appetite, dry eyes, dry skin, and hot flush.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
• wheezing, cough which may contain blood, fever
• irregular heartbeat, chest pain, swelling in the ankles or legs
• pain or difficulty in passing urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine

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 other medicines for cancer such as doxorubicin, epirubicin or cyclophosphamide.

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.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. Do not allow Trastuzumab to freeze. If frozen, this medicine will become ineffective and should not be used.

Protect from light.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

As Trastuzumab 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.