HERCEPTIN

Drug Name: HERCEPTIN

HERCEPTIN DESCRIPTION:
TRASTUZUMAB - INJECTION (trass-TOOZE-you-mab)

COMMON HERCEPTIN BRAND NAME(S):
Herceptin

HERCEPTIN SIDE EFFECTS:
Diarrhea may occur. If this effect persists or worsens, notify your doctor promptly. Report promptly: trouble sleeping, increased coughing, swelling of the hands or feet, bone or joint pain, persistent sore throat, unusual fatigue, pain/redness at the injection site, chills, fever, nausea/vomiting, dizziness, headache. Unlikely but report promptly: tingling hands or feet. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. Symptoms may occur while the drug is being given; in these cases the drug infusion must be stopped. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE HERCEPTIN:
HERCEPTIN: HERCEPTIN is given by vein (IV), usually once a week. Medication to prevent side effects may be given before the drug is administered. Follow all instructions for proper mixing, dilution with certain IV fluids and use of HERCEPTIN. Consult your pharmacist. When mixed with IV fluids this product will be colorless or a clear yellow liquid. Do not give as a rapid IV injection. Check this product visually for particles or discoloration before use. If present, do not use the liquid. Do not mix or dilute with other drugs; consult your pharmacist or nurse.

HERCEPTIN WARNING:
Use of trastuzumab may lead to serious heart problems, including heart failure. Your doctor may need to stop this medication if these problems occur. Patients who also use anthracyclines (e.g., doxorubicin) and cyclophosphamide are more likely to develop heart problems. Trastuzumab use may also result in several other severe, rarely fatal, problems. Specifically, these are allergic reactions, IV dosing (infusion reaction), and lung disease (acute respiratory distress syndrome-ARDS). These problems, if they occur, usually happen while the drug is being given, or within 24 hours of the dose. The IV dose should be interrupted if you experience trouble breathing, or severe dizziness/very low blood pressure; consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately. Trastuzumab treatment may need to be stopped if severe allergic or lung problems occur; seek immediate medical attention. Read the Side Effects Section carefully. It includes symptoms and advice regarding the medical problems noted in this section.

HERCEPTIN USES:
Trastuzumab is used to treat breast cancer.

HERCEPTIN PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, including: any allergies; previous cancer treatments (including radiation therapy to the chest); lung or heart diseases. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using HERCEPTIN. It is not known whether HERCEPTIN is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using HERCEPTIN, or for 6 months after the last dose of HERCEPTIN, is not recommended. Caution is advised when HERCEPTIN is used in the elderly, as they may be more sensitive to the side effects of this product.

HERCEPTIN DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially: current or previous use of other anti-cancer drugs (including doxorubicin, daunorubicin, or cyclophosphamide). Do not mix with dextrose-containing IV fluids. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

HERCEPTIN OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

HERCEPTIN NOTES:
Do not share HERCEPTIN with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., heart exams) may be done to monitor your progress.

MISSED HERCEPTIN DOSE:
It is very important you do not miss any doses. However, if you miss a dose, contact your doctor immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.

HERCEPTIN STORAGE:
Store vials in a refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 - 8 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not use beyond expiration date stamped on vial. After mixing and dilution with recommended IV fluids, the stability of this product varies. Consult your pharmacist. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.