Description
Trastuzumab-pkrb injection is used together with other cancer medicines (eg, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and either paclitaxel or docetaxel, or docetaxel and carboplatin) or used alone following anthracycline-based therapy to treat HER2-overexpressing node-positive or node-negative (ER/PR negative or with one high risk feature) breast cancer.
Trastuzumab-pkrb injection is also used to treat HER2-overexpressing metastatic (cancer that has spread) breast cancer in patients who have received one or more chemotherapy treatments. It is also used together with paclitaxel for the first-line treatment of HER2-overexpressing metastatic breast cancer.
Trastuzumab-pkrb injection is also used together with cisplatin and capecitabine or 5-fluorouracil to treat HER2-overexpressing metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (stomach or esophagus cancer) in patients who have not received treatment previously.
Trastuzumab-pkrb prevents the growth of some tumors that produce extra amounts of a certain substance known as the HER2 protein. It should only be used in patients whose tumors have been shown to produce extra amounts of this protein (HER2 overexpression).
Trastuzumab-pkrb is a monoclonal antibody. It interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed by the body. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected by trastuzumab-pkrb, other effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor.
This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.
This product is available in the following dosage forms:
- Powder for Solution
Before Using
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of trastuzumab-pkrb injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of trastuzumab-pkrb injection in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related heart problems, which may require caution in patients receiving this medicine.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Daunorubicin
- Daunorubicin Citrate Liposome
- Daunorubicin Liposome
- Doxorubicin
- Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Liposome
- Epirubicin
- Idarubicin
- Pirarubicin
- Pixantrone
- Valrubicin
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Warfarin
Other Interactions
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Other Medical Problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Congestive heart failure or
- Heart disease (eg, cardiomyopathy) or
- Heart rhythm problems (eg, arrhythmia) or
- Hypertension (high blood pressure) or
- Lung disease (eg, interstitial pneumonitis, pulmonary fibrosis, tumor)—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.
Proper Use
Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
A doctor or other trained health professional will give you this medicine in a medical facility. It is given through a needle placed into one of your veins. It must be given slowly, so the needle should remain in place for at least 30 to 90 minutes.
Precautions
It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.
Receiving this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant during treatment with this medicine and for 7 months after the last dose. If you think you have become pregnant while receiving the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
Your doctor may test your heart before you start receiving trastuzumab-pkrb injection and while you are getting treatments with this medicine. Contact your doctor right away if you experience any chest pain, increased coughing, trouble with breathing, a sudden difficulty with breathing at night, rapid weight gain, or abnormal swelling in your ankles or legs. These could be symptoms of a serious heart problem.
This medicine may cause infusion reactions, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you start to have a fever, chills or shaking, dizziness, trouble breathing, itching or rash, or lightheadedness or fainting after receiving this medicine.
Serious lung or breathing problems may occur after you receive this medicine. Call your doctor right away if have changes in your breathing, chest tightness, or any type of breathing problem.
Trastuzumab-pkrb can temporarily lower the number of some types of blood cells in your body. Because of this, you may bleed or get infections more easily. To help with these problems, avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Wash your hands often. Stay away from rough sports or other situations where you could be bruised, cut, or injured. Brush and floss your teeth gently. Be careful when using sharp objects, including razors and fingernail clippers.
Do not receive an anthracycline medicine for up to 7 months after stopping treatment with medicines containing trastuzumab.
Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
- Back pain
- black, tarry stools
- body aches or pain
- chest discomfort or pain
- chills
- cough
- decreased urine output
- diarrhea
- difficulty breathing
- dilated neck veins
- dizziness
- dryness or soreness of the throat
- extreme tiredness or weakness
- fainting fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
- feeling of warmth
- fever
- general feeling of discomfort or illness
- headache
- hoarseness
- irregular breathing
- joint pain
- loss of appetite
- lower back or side pain
- muscle aches and pains
- nausea
- pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
- painful or difficult urination
- pale skin
- redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, the upper chest
- shivering
- skin rash
- sneezing
- sore throat
- stuffy or runny nose
- sweating
- swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
- tender, swollen glands in the neck
- tightness in the chest
- trouble in swallowing
- trouble sleeping
- troubled breathing with exertion
- ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- voice changes
- vomiting
- weight gain
Less common
- Bladder pain
- bloody or cloudy urine
- burning or stinging of the skin
- frequent urge to urinate
- hives, itching
- painful cold sores or blisters on the lips, nose, eyes, or genitals
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- tenderness, pain, swelling, warmth, skin discoloration, and prominent superficial veins over the affected area
- tingling of the hands or feet
- unusual weight gain or loss
Incidence not known
- Bleeding gums
- nosebleeds
- numbness or tingling in the face, arms, or legs
- pinpoint red spots on the skin
- vision problems
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
- Bone pain
- depression
- difficulty in moving
- lack or loss of strength
- loss of appetite
- muscle stiffness
- stomach pain
Less common
- Acne
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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