Trastuzumab emtansine is a targeted therapy containing the active constituent trastuzumab emtansine. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved trastuzumab emtansine (Trastuzumab emtansine) on February 22, 2013, for treating patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer who have previously received trastuzumab and chemotherapy. This medication is not recommended for adolescents and children under 18. Before taking this medicine, it is vital to inform your doctor if you have any blood clot disorders, liver disorders, or allergies.

Trastuzumab emtansine is used to treat adults with a type of breast cancer (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive breast cancer) that has spread to other parts of the body or has not improved after treatment with other medications.

Trastuzumab emtansine is given as an Intravenous infusion by a healthcare provider. The recommended dosage can vary depending on the type of cancer being treated and other factors such as your overall health and response to treatment.

Common side effects of Trastuzumab emtansine may include nausea, fatigue, headache, decreased appetite, and fever. More serious side effects may include liver problems, heart problems, lung problems, bleeding, and a decrease in blood cell counts. Patients may also experience infusion-related reactions during treatment.

Trastuzumab emtansine carries several warnings. It may cause serious or fatal liver, heart, or lung problems, which may occur suddenly and without warning. This medication may also increase the risk of bleeding and lower blood cell counts, increasing the risk of infection. Infusion-related reactions, such as fever, chills, and difficulty breathing, may also occur during treatment. Patients who have previously received anthracycline or doxorubicin chemotherapy may be at increased risk of heart problems during treatment.

Patients should inform their healthcare provider if they have a history of liver disease, heart disease, lung disease, bleeding disorders, or other medical conditions while taking Trastuzumab emtansine. Additionally, you may experience any unusual symptoms or side effects while taking Trastuzumab emtansine. In that case, it's important to contact your healthcare provider immediately to determine if the symptoms are related to a drug interaction or another underlying condition.

It is suggested to inform your doctor if you have a history of allergic reactions to Trastuzumab emtansine to avoid life-threatening complications. If you have a history of lung disorder or breathing problems, inform your doctor before the treatment commencement. Avoid planning for pregnancy and breastfeeding for at least 7 months after the last dose. Monitor your heart parameters regularly during the treatment, as it may impact the functioning of the heart. Always maintain a healthy and balanced diet to support your overall health and well-being.

1. Roche, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Jan 2022] [Accessed on 6th May 2023],  https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.3856.pdf
2. Genentech Inc, [Revised on Feb 2021] [Accessed on 6th May 2023], https://www.gene.com/download/pdf/herceptin_prescribing.pdf
3. 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 can receive this treatment.