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Herceptin drug is prepared in intravenous form and is indicated for use in the treatment of breast cancer. However, Herceptin can cause some unwanted side effects such as diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and fatigue. Therefore, users need to learn carefully about the drug and follow the doctor's instructions.
1. Mechanism of action of the drug Herceptin
Herceptin contains trastuzumab - a monoclonal antibody that targets HER-2-positive breast cancer cells. When HER2 is overexpressed in breast cancer, HER2 receptors on the cell send signals to the cell to initiate growth and division. Overexpressing cancers with HER2 can cause cells to grow and divide more quickly. Herceptin will inhibit the HER2 receptor, causing the signal to be sent to the cell to be interrupted, leading to slow growth of cancer cells.
2. Indications for use of the drug Herceptin
Herceptin is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic breast cancer including: breast cancer with overgrowth, metastatic breast cancer, and metastatic gastric cancer.However, Herceptin may be contraindicated in some cases of hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, or in cases where the patient has shortness of breath or requires supplemental oxygen therapy.
3. Dosage and usage of Herceptin
Herceptin is recommended to be used at a dose of 4mg/body weight. But when switching to the next dose, it is recommended to use Herceptin 2mg/kg.
Herceptin is given intravenously and the duration of the infusion will depend on the treatment plan and the patient's tolerability.
4. Unwanted side effects and some notes when using Herceptin
Using Herceptin during treatment may experience some unwanted side effects. Depending on the specific case, there will be different levels of reaction. When experiencing symptoms causing side effects, patients should discuss with medical staff for timely medical support.
Heart related problems. Herceptin may cause an irregular heartbeat with symptoms of dizziness or fainting. At the same time, the drug Herceptin also causes changes in blood pressure of patients. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor these indicators during treatment with Herceptin. Infusion-related side effects of Herceptin. During the treatment can cause chills, fever, flushing, shortness of breath and high blood pressure. Patients should be careful to prevent this reaction. And infusion-related reactions can occur in first-time treatment Lung problems Infections with neutropenia when using Herceptin. White blood cells play an important role in the body's fight against infections. When treated with Herceptin, the white blood cell count can decrease, increasing the risk of infection in the patient's body. Patients may experience symptoms such as fever over 38 degrees Celsius, colds, sore throat, shortness of breath, burning when urinating and pain states that do not go away... immediately to the treating doctor for examination and timely medical assistance. The patient is always tired. After cancer treatment, patients always feel exhausted and tired and this condition takes a long time to improve. Therefore, it is necessary to be guided to adjust as well as plan for a long rest and save energy for important activities. In addition, exercise can be done to improve fatigue by walking, relaxing... Nausea and vomiting may occur when using Herceptin. You can tell your doctor to prescribe medication to help control nausea or vomiting. In addition, the doctor will also prescribe appropriate dietary changes to improve the current medical condition. For example, the patient should avoid using foods that can aggravate these symptoms such as foods that are greasy, fatty, or have sour spices.... Diarrhea. Diarrhea may occur in patients treated with Herceptin. So your doctor may prescribe some medications to help improve diarrhea. In addition, patients should eat foods with low fiber content, boiled chicken, white rice, to limit diarrhea. The soluble fiber in some liquid foods can help reduce diarrhea. This includes apple sauce, bananas, canned fruit, boiled potatoes, or products made with oatmeal, cream of rice, cream of wheat, potato chips. Kidney problems. Herceptin can cause decreased kidney function or damage to the kidneys. Therefore, when treated with Herceptin, patients need to have blood tests to check for kidney abnormalities early. Possible symptoms include blood in the urine, the color of the urine darkens many times... Birth defects. Direct contact with the fetus Herceptin can cause birth defects. Therefore, women who are pregnant or who are planning to have children should not use Herceptin. Above are the sharing of Herceptin drug for your reference. If you need detailed information for yourself, please contact the hospital to schedule an examination and advise on specific medications that should be used for your current medical condition.
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Reference source: oncolink.org
