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Adverse Effects of Herceptin: An Overview and Strategies for Coping

Side Effects of Herceptin: An Overview and Guidance on Control

Side Effects of Herceptin: Understanding Them and Strategies for Management
Side Effects of Herceptin: Understanding Them and Strategies for Management

Adverse Effects of Herceptin: An Overview and Strategies for Coping

Herceptin, also known as trastuzumab, is a drug used to treat various types of HER2-positive cancers, including breast cancer, stomach cancer, and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma. However, it's essential to be aware of the potential side effects and precautions associated with its use.

One of the primary long-term side effects of Herceptin is cardiotoxicity. This can manifest as decreased heart function, potentially becoming chronic or progressing to symptomatic heart failure. Regular monitoring of cardiac function during and after Herceptin therapy is crucial to manage and mitigate these long-term cardiac side effects in HER2-positive cancer patients.

Other long-term side effects are less clearly defined, but they may include drug resistance, which can arise due to HER2 alterations and tumor heterogeneity, complicating ongoing treatment effectiveness.

Herceptin should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Pregnant women should use birth control while using Herceptin and for at least 7 months after the last dose. It is unknown whether it is safe to breastfeed during Herceptin treatment, so alternatives should be discussed with the doctor.

Common side effects in people receiving Herceptin for breast cancer that's HER2-positive include fatigue, mild depression or depressed mood, headache, diarrhea, nausea, chills, fever, upper respiratory infection, stomatitis, insomnia, cough, rash, fluid retention, hot flashes, pain in your back, bones, joints, muscles, or abdomen, shortness of breath, burning or tickling feeling in your skin, weight loss, changes in taste.

For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, immediate medical attention is required. For serious symptoms, immediate emergency medical attention is required. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, flushing, swelling, difficulty breathing.

Herceptin should not be taken if allergic to the drug or any of its ingredients. Alcohol consumption may worsen certain side effects or increase the risk of them.

Before receiving Herceptin, the doctor should be informed if chemotherapy has caused neutropenia in the past. Lab tests, such as blood and urine tests, may be ordered to check for certain side effects during Herceptin treatment, including anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, kidney problems, and heart problems.

If heart problems occur during Herceptin treatment, the drug may be stopped. If symptoms of serious heart or lung problems occur during Herceptin treatment, immediate medical attention is required.

In addition to these considerations, Herceptin has a boxed warning for heart problems, lung problems, infusion reaction, and harm to a fetus. People receiving Herceptin in clinical trials didn't report hair loss as a side effect, but some of the drugs that you may take with Herceptin can cause hair loss.

To manage fatigue caused by Herceptin, remedies such as meditation, yoga, exercise, a nutritious diet, regular sleep schedule, organizing daily activities, joining a support group may be recommended.

In conclusion, while Herceptin is an effective treatment for HER2-positive cancers, it's crucial to be aware of its potential side effects and precautions. Regular monitoring of cardiac function and careful consideration of pregnancy and breastfeeding are essential. If you are currently undergoing Herceptin treatment or considering it, it's important to discuss these factors with your doctor.

[1] National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Trastuzumab. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/trastuzumab [2] American Cancer Society. (2021, January 26). Trastuzumab (Herceptin). Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/treatment/trustusertreatment/her2-targeted-therapy/trastuzumab-herceptin.html [3] European Medicines Agency. (2019, October 23). Trastuzumab. Retrieved from https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/trastuzumab [4] Food and Drug Administration. (2019, October 23). Trastuzumab. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/125514s031lbl.pdf

  1. Herceptin, a drug used for HER2-positive cancers like breast cancer and stomach cancer, has side effects such as cardiotoxicity and fatigue, which necessitate regular monitoring of cardiac function and energy management.
  2. While Herceptin's long-term side effects like drug resistance are not clearly defined, it's vital to avoid pregnancy or breastfeeding during its usage due to potential risks.
  3. In addition to the primary side effects, Herceptin may cause common symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and rash, necessitating immediate medical attention for serious symptoms of an allergic reaction or heart problems.
  4. Before administering Herceptin, doctors should be informed about any history of neutropenia caused by chemotherapy, and regular lab tests will be conducted for various medical conditions like heart problems, kidney issues, and anemia during treatment.
  5. For effective management of HER2-positive cancer treatment and to mitigate side effects, healthcare professionals may recommend lifestyle changes such as meditation, exercise, and stress reduction, along with a nutritious diet, good sleep hygiene, and joining support groups.

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