Kadcyla 160mg Injection consists of the active ingredient Ado-Trastuzumab emtansine. It is a prescription medication used to treat HER2-positive breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body or has not responded to other treatments. It is a combination of two drugs: trastuzumab, which is an antibody that targets HER2 receptors, and emtansine, which is a chemotherapy drug that kills cancer cells.  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 tumours 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 if you experience side effects such as allergic reactions, unusual bleeding, etc. This medication does not show any adverse effects on the kidney. In rare cases, an infusion reaction is seen. Like all other medications, it shows mild side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and hair loss.

Kadcyla Injection uses are as follows:

• Advanced and metastatic breast cancer
• Metastatic gastric cancer

Ado-Trastuzumab emtansine works by combining the targeting ability of trastuzumab, which binds to HER2-positive cancer cells, with the cell-killing effects of emtansine, a chemotherapy drug. Once this medication binds to the HER2-positive cancer cells, it releases emtansine, which then enters the cancer cells and destroys them. This process helps to slow down or stop the growth of cancer, reducing the size of tumours and potentially extending the patient's life.

Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription, over-the-counter, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications may interact with Kadcyla 160mg Injection and reduce effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.

• Kadcyla 160mg Injection should be stored in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F).
• Protected from light.
• Keep it in its original packaging until it is ready to be used.
• Keep reaching out of the reach of children and pets.
• It should be disposed of properly.

Kadcyla 160mg Injection is administered by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic setting. The dose and frequency depend on several factors, such as the individual's age, weight, overall health, and the type and stage of the cancer being treated. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible unless it's almost time for the next scheduled dose, in which case the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule resumed. Do not double the dose to make up for missed doses.

Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all medicines cause side effects, not everyone gets them. Kadcyla 160mg Injection can cause side effects as follows: 

Serious:

• Infusion reactions, including fever, chills, rash, or difficulty breathing
• Lung problems, including shortness of breath, cough, or fever
• Heart problems, including heart failure or abnormal heart rhythms
• Severe bleeding or bruising
• Nerve damage, including numbness, tingling, or weakness
• Severe allergic reactions

Common:

• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Muscle or joint pain
• Headache
• Fever
• Low platelet count
• High liver enzyme levels
• Low red blood cell count
• Loss of appetite
• Rash or itching

If you are receiving Kadcyla 160mg Injection, it's important to be proactive in managing your treatment and monitoring your symptoms. Keep communication with your healthcare provider and report any concerns or side effects as soon as possible. Avoid getting pregnant and breastfeeding during treatment. Use effective birth control during the treatment and at least 7 weeks after the last dose. Immediately contact your healthcare provider in case of any worsening of symptoms or infusion reactions. Take steps to care for yourself physically and emotionally during treatment, and seek support from loved ones and professionals as needed. Maintain a healthy and balanced diet during treatment to support your overall health and well-being. Being informed and engaged in your treatment can help ensure the best possible outcomes and manage potential risks or complications.

1. Roche Products Limited, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Jul 2021] [Accessed on 9th April 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.5252.pdf

2. Gunter von Minckwitz et al., Trastuzumab Emtansine for Residual Invasive HER2-Positive Breast Cancer, N Engl J Med 2019; 380:617-628 [Accessed on 19th April 2023], https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1814017

3. Barok et al., Trastuzumab emtansine: mechanisms of action and drug resistance, Breast Cancer Research 2014, 16:209, [Accessed on 19th April 2023], https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262780064_Trastuzumab_emtansine_Mechanisms_of_action_and_drug_resistance

4. Genentech, Inc. U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [Last Revised 3rd May 2019], [Accessed on 19 April 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/125427s105lbl.pdf