Trastuzumab is a monoclonal antibody that was approved for its medical use on 25th September 1998.

Trastuzumab Injection has been developed to treat solid tumors by injecting it as an intravenous infusion. Trastuzumab Injection has been approved to treat HER2 overexpressing breast cancer and stomach cancer (gastro-oesophageal Junction adenocarcinoma).

Trastuzumab is available as multi dose vial injections in the doses 150 mg and 440 mg. It is intended for intravenous infusion only and not for IV push or bolus.

Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Although all drugs can cause side effects, not everyone experiences them.

Common side effects of Trastuzumab are:

• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Infusion reactions (e.g., chills, fever, pain)
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Neutropenia (Low white blood cells)
• Anaemia (Low red blood cells)
• Rash
• Infections

Serious side effects of Trastuzumab are:

• Cardiomyopathy (Heart dysfunction)
• Congestive heart failure (CHF)
• Severe infusion reactions (e.g., difficulty breathing, low blood pressure)
• Pulmonary toxicity (Lung issues)
• Severe allergic reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis)
• Embryo-fetal toxicity (Harm to the fetus)
• Severe infections (e.g., febrile neutropenia, pneumonia)
• Lung problems (e.g., interstitial pneumonitis)
• Blood cell disorders (e.g., thrombocytopenia, leukopenia)

• Cardiomyopathy & cardiac dysfunction: Herceptin can cause heart problems, including heart failure, especially when combined with certain chemotherapy drugs.
• Infusion reactions: Patients may experience serious reactions like difficulty breathing and low blood pressure during or shortly after the infusion.
• Embryo-fetal toxicity: Herceptin can harm the fetus and cause birth defects, so pregnant women should avoid using it.
• Pulmonary toxicity: Herceptin can cause severe lung problems, including breathing difficulties and lung inflammation.
• Exacerbation of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia: Herceptin can increase the risk of low white blood cell counts and infections when used with chemotherapy.
• Severe cardiac events: Herceptin may lead to severe heart problems, including sudden death or heart failure.
• Interactions with anthracyclines: Herceptin increases the risk of heart problems when combined with certain chemotherapy drugs.
• Severe hypersensitivity reactions: Herceptin can cause severe allergic reactions, including difficulty breathing and swelling.

For female patients of reproductive potential, the healthcare provider will conduct a pregnancy test prior to initiating this treatment. Inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or you became pregnant within seven months of completing Trastuzumab treatment course. Discuss effective contraceptive methods to use during treatment and for 7 months following the last dose of Trastuzumab Injection.

Trastuzumab can make you feel tired and dizzy, so you should avoid driving or handling machines. Apply cool compress to avoid injection site reactions. 

1. Genentech, Inc., US Food & Drug Administration, [Revised on Feb 2021] [Accessed on 29th Aug 2022], https://www.gene.com/download/pdf/herceptin_prescribing.pdf

2. Anton Wellstein, Giuseppe Giaccone, Michael B. Atkins, and Edward A. Sausville, Pathway-Targeted Therapies: Monoclonal Antibodies, Protein Kinase Inhibitors, and Various Small Molecules, Goodman & Gilman’s Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 13th Edition, 2018, 1203-1236.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.