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Trastuzumab

Pronounced

"trass-TOOZE-you-mob"

Common brand names:

Herceptin, Kanjinti

Uses

Trastuzumab is used to treat certain types of breast, stomach, or esophagus cancer. This medication is used to treat tumors that produce more than the normal amount of a certain substance called HER2 protein. Trastuzumab belongs to a class of medications known as monoclonal antibodies. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.

This monograph is about the following trastuzumab products: trastuzumab, trastuzumab-anns, trastuzumab-dkst, trastuzumab-dttb, trastuzumab-pkrb, trastuzumab-qyyp.

How to Use This Medication

This medication is given by slow injection into a vein by a health care professional, usually once every week or once every 3 weeks. The first injection is given over at least 90 minutes.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, weight, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark the days on the calendar when you need to receive the medication.

Your doctor may prescribe other medications (such as acetaminophen, diphenhydramine) for you to take before each dose to help prevent serious side effects. Follow your doctor's directions carefully.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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Information expires December 2025.