KADCYLA 100MG INJECTION

Introduction:

Kadcyla 100mg Injection consists of the active ingredient Ado-Trastuzumab emtansine. It is indicated to treat breast cancer in the early stages as well as advanced stages where patients develop recurrence within six months of chemotherapy treatment. This medication acts against tumors that produce more than the normal amount of a certain protein (known as HER2 protein).

Patients with residual breast cancer after chemotherapy treatment and HER2 targeted therapy have a poorer prognosis than those with no residual cancer. Report to your physician immediately in case you experience side effects such as allergic reactions, unusual bleeding etc.

Uses of Kadcyla 100mg injection:

Kadcyla 100mg Injection is used in the treatment of the following:

• HER2-positive, metastatic breast cancer, previously treated with Trastuzumab and taxane.
• HER2-positive early breast cancer.
• Advanced breast cancer in patients who developed recurrence within six months of cancer therapy.

How Kadcyla 100mg injection works:

Kadcyla 100mg Injection is made up of Trastuzumab, and Emtansine (DM1). This medicine targets the Human Epidermal Growth Factor receptor 2 (HER2). As soon as the drug enters the body, it releases emtansine to target cells, where it arrests the cell cycle and prevents the growth of tumour cells. 

Interactions with other drugs 

Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking before starting treatment with Kadcyla 160mg injection.

More information 

Store in a refrigerator (2-8˚C) and do not freeze or shake.

References

1. Genentech Inc, [Revised on Sep 2020] [Accessed on 8th Apr 2021], https://www.gene.com/download/pdf/kadcyla_prescribing.pdf
2. Roche Products Limited, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Jul 2021] [Accessed on 4th Dec 2021], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.5252.pdf
3. Gunter von Minckwitz et al., Trastuzumab Emtansine for Residual Invasive HER2-Positive Breast Cancer, N Engl J Med 2019; 380:617-628 [Accessed on 8th Apr 2021],  https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1814017
4. Barok et al., Trastuzumab emtansine: mechanisms of action and drug resistance, Breast Cancer Research 2014, 16:209, [Accessed on 8th Apr 2021], https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262780064_Trastuzumab_emtansine_Mechanisms_of_action_and_drug_resistance

How to use Kadcyla 100mg injection:

Follow the exact dosage recommended by your physician. A doctor or nurse will administer the medication to you.

Safety advice

Pregnancy:

Discuss with your physician before taking this injection if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.

Breastfeeding: 

Consult your physician for advice on taking this medicine if you are a breastfeeding mother.

Liver: 

Discuss with your physician before taking this medicine if you have been diagnosed with liver problems.

Kidney:

Inform your physician before starting this treatment if you have kidney disease. Make sure that your physician monitors your kidney functions regularly.

Driving:

Do not drive or operate a machine if you are experiencing dizziness, sleepiness or chills until the symptoms subside.

Allergies:

Before taking this medicine, discuss with your physician if you are allergic to Ado-Trastuzumab emtansine or its ingredients.

Others:

• Consult your doctor if you have a heart problem, high BP, breathlessness or if you have undergone any cancer treatment.
• This injection is not recommended for children and adolescents aged below 18 years.

Side Effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Although all medicines cause side effects; not everyone gets them.

Serious:

• Breathlessness
• Yellowing of skin and eyes
• Abdominal swelling
• Chest pain
• Irregular heartbeats
• Fits
• Fever
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Nerve damage
• Infusion site reactions

Common:

• Low red blood cell count
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Urinary tract infection
• Constipation
• Stomach ache
• Cough
• Sleeping difficulties
• Muscle and joint pain
• Headache
• Tiredness