Drug
Ado-Trastuzumab Emtansine
Pronounced
"tras-TOOZ-ue-mab em-TAN-seen"
Uses
Trastuzumab emtansine is used to treat breast cancer. This medication is called a monoclonal antibody and microtubule inhibitor conjugate. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.
This monograph is about the following trastuzumab emtansine products: trastuzumab emtansine, ado-trastuzumab emtansine.
Warning
Trastuzumab emtansine has rarely caused very serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Get medical help right away if you develop symptoms of liver disease, including nausea that doesn't stop, severe stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin.
Trastuzumab emtansine may lead to serious heart problems, including heart failure. Past use of certain other anti-cancer drugs (including anthracyclines such as doxorubicin) may increase your risk of heart problems. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of heart failure, including shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight gain.
Trastuzumab emtansine can cause serious (possibly fatal) harm to an unborn baby if used during pregnancy. Discuss reliable forms of birth control with your doctor.
How to Use This Medication
This medication is given by slow injection into a vein by a health care professional. It is given as directed by your doctor, usually once every 3 weeks. Your first infusion will be given over at least 90 minutes.
The dosage, the speed of your injection, and the length of time you receive trastuzumab emtansine is based on your body weight, medical condition, and response to treatment.
Infusion reactions may happen during the infusion of this drug and for up to 24 hours afterward. Your doctor may prescribe other medications (such as acetaminophen, diphenhydramine) before each treatment to help prevent these side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of infusion reactions such as chills, fever, flushing, wheezing, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fast heartbeat. Your doctor may slow down or stop your treatment for some time.
To get the most benefit from this medication, do not miss any doses. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a reminder.