Herceptin

Who may not be able to have Herceptin

Source: NHS

In this topic (8)

Herceptin shouldn't be used to treat people with breast, oesophageal or stomach cancer that isn't HER2 positive.

It may also not be suitable if:

Avoid becoming pregnantwhile taking Herceptin and for at least seven months after treatment stops, as itcould harma developing baby.

Also avoid breastfeeding untilat least seven months after treatment stops, asthe medicinecan get into breast milk and may be harmful for babies.

Articles for Herceptin

Heart monitoring on Herceptin

Heart problems can sometimes develop while you're on Herceptin and they can be serious. Before treatment starts, you'll have a test to see how well your heart is working for example, an ultrasound sc

How Herceptin is given

Herceptin is given during visits to a hospital or clinic. Itcan begiven in two ways: by infusion where the medication is fed slowly into your bloodstream through a drip; the first treatment usually

How Herceptin works

Herceptin can help control the growth of cancer cells that contain high amounts of HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2). HER2 is found in all human cells. It controls cell growth and repai

Introduction

Find out about Herceptin (trastuzumab), including how it works, when it's used, how it's given and what the possible side effects are.

Reporting side effects

The Yellow Card Scheme allows you to report suspected side effects from any type of medicine you're taking. The scheme is run by medicines safety watchdog, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regu

Side effects of Herceptin

Herceptin often causes side effects, although many of these will become less severeover time. The following side effects affectaround 1 in 10 people: a reaction to the medication this can cause chi

When Herceptin is used

Herceptin can be used to treat: early HER2 positive breast cancer, following surgery and/or radiotherapy and chemotherapy , to reduce the risk ofthe cancer coming back advanced HER2 positive breas

Who may not be able to have Herceptin

Herceptin shouldn't be used to treat people with breast, oesophageal or stomach cancer that isn't HER2 positive. It may also not be suitable if: you have a pre-existing heart condition, such as hea