What to Know About Herceptin for HER2

What is Herceptin?

- Herceptin (trastuzumab) is a monoclonal antibody medication used to treat certain types of breast cancer. It is a targeted therapy that works by blocking the action of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) protein.

What is HER2?

- HER2 is a protein that is found on the surface of some cancer cells. It is a member of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family of proteins, which are involved in cell growth and division. When HER2 is overexpressed, it can lead to the growth of cancer cells.

How does Herceptin work?

- Herceptin works by binding to the HER2 protein and blocking its activity. This prevents the cancer cells from growing and dividing. Herceptin is used to treat breast cancer that is HER2-positive, which means that the cancer cells have high levels of the HER2 protein.

What are the uses of Herceptin?

- Herceptin is used to treat early-stage and advanced HER2-positive breast cancer. It can be used alone or in combination with other chemotherapy drugs. Herceptin is also used to treat metastatic breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

What are the side effects of Herceptin?

- The most common side effects of Herceptin include:

- Fatigue

- Diarrhea

- Nausea

- Vomiting

- Hair loss

- Muscle pain

- Joint pain

- Skin rash

- Infusion reactions

- Cardiac toxicity (heart damage)

What are the risks of Herceptin?

- The risks of Herceptin include:

- Increased risk of heart problems, such as congestive heart failure

- Severe allergic reactions

- Infusion reactions

- Infection

Who should not take Herceptin?

- Herceptin should not be taken by people who are allergic to the drug or any of its ingredients. It should also not be taken by people with severe heart disease.

How is Herceptin given?

- Herceptin is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion. The drug is typically given once every three weeks for a period of one year.

What are the results of Herceptin treatment?

- Herceptin can be an effective treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer. It can help to improve survival rates and reduce the risk of the cancer returning.

Is Herceptin affordable?

- The cost of Herceptin can vary depending on the individual's insurance plan and other factors. The drug can be expensive, but there are some resources available to help people afford the medication.