For US Healthcare Professionals

Preparing for Treatment with Herceptin

Some things to keep in mind when taking Herceptin for HER2+ early breast cancer

Herceptin is approved for the treatment of adults with early-stage breast cancer that is Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2-positive (HER2+).  See more about HER2+ breast cancer here.

Patients are selected for therapy based on an FDA-approved test for Herceptin.

Treatment with Herceptin generally lasts for 1 year unless side effects become unmanageable

Herceptin is only given as an intravenous (IV) infusion.* There are 3 ways Herceptin can be used:

  • As part of a treatment course including the chemotherapy drugs doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and either paclitaxel or docetaxel. This treatment course is known as "AC➝TH"
  • With the chemotherapy drugs docetaxel and carboplatin. This treatment course is known as "TCH"
  • Alone after treatment with multiple other therapies, including an anthracycline (doxorubicin)-based therapy (a type of chemotherapy)

Your doctor will recommend the appropriate treatment option for you.

*There is also a formulation with trastuzumab available that can be given under the skin instead of intravenously.

Pre-treatment heart testing

Your healthcare team will monitor your heart so that potential side effects from Herceptin can be seen early and properly treated. Your doctor will check for signs of heart problems before, during, and after treatment with Herceptin.

Preparing for Herceptin infusions

One week before Herceptin infusion:

  • Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicine, vitamins, and herbal supplements
  • Speak to your doctor if you take medications to control your blood pressure. Your doctor may instruct you not to take them on the day of your Herceptin infusion
  • Arrange a ride. After your infusion, you may feel drowsy or dizzy. It is a good idea to have someone else drive you home

One day before Herceptin infusion:

  • Remember to follow any changes your doctor has made to your regular medication schedule

The day of your Herceptin infusion

At home:

  • Wear or bring loose clothing so you can be comfortable during your infusion
  • Pack food and drink — bring some snacks or a packed meal can help you get through the day
  • Bring a book or activities to help pass the time

At the clinic or infusion center:

  • Take the medications your doctor prescribed to help reduce the side effects of the infusion process
  • Relax during your infusion, but be aware of what is happening to your body. Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you feel any side effects, including the symptoms of an infusion reaction
Herceptin Targeted Therapy

HER2-Targeted Therapy

If you receive Herceptin in combination with another HER2-targeted treatment + chemotherapy, here’s some information to keep in mind.

Learn More
Taking Herceptin

A Subcutaneous Option

If you receive Herceptin HYLECTA™ (trastuzumab and hyaluronidase-oysk), an injection given under the skin (subcutaneous) instead of IV (intravenous), here’s some information to keep in mind.

Learn More
Next: Treatment Schedule

Uses & Important Safety Information for HERCEPTIN and HERCEPTIN HYLECTA (trastuzumab and hyaluronidase-oysk)

Herceptin: Indications

Adjuvant Breast Cancer

Herceptin is approved for the treatment of adults with early-stage breast cancer that is Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2-positive (HER2+) and has spread into the lymph nodes, or is HER2-positive and has not spread into the lymph nodes. If it has not spread into the lymph nodes, the cancer needs to be estrogen receptor / progesterone receptor (ER/PR)-negative or have one high-risk feature.* Herceptin can be used in several different ways:

  • As part of a treatment course including the chemotherapy drugs doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and either paclitaxel or docetaxel. This treatment course is known as “AC➝TH”
  • With the chemotherapy drugs docetaxel and carboplatin. This treatment course is known as “TCH”
  • Alone after treatment with multiple other therapies, including an anthracycline (doxorubicin) based therapy (a type of chemotherapy)

Patients are selected for therapy based on an FDA-approved test for Herceptin.

*High risk is defined as ER/PR-positive with one of the following features: tumor size >2 cm, age <35 years, or tumor grade 2 or 3. 

Metastatic Breast Cancer

Herceptin has 2 approved uses in adults with metastatic breast cancer:

  • Herceptin in combination with the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel is approved for the first line treatment of Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2-positive (HER2+) metastatic breast cancer
  • Herceptin alone is approved for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer in patients who have received one or more chemotherapy courses for metastatic disease

Patients are selected for therapy based on an FDA-approved test for Herceptin.

Gastric Cancer

Herceptin is approved in adults, in combination with chemotherapy (cisplatin and either capecitabine or 5-fluorouracil), for the treatment of HER2-positive metastatic cancer of the stomach or gastroesophageal junction (where the esophagus meets the stomach) in patients who have not received prior treatment for their metastatic disease.

Patients are selected for therapy based on an FDA-approved test for Herceptin.

Herceptin HYLECTA: What it treats

Adjuvant Breast Cancer

HERCEPTIN HYLECTA (trastuzumab and hyaluronidase-oysk) is approved for the treatment of adults with early-stage breast cancer that is Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2-positive (HER2+) and has spread into the lymph nodes, or is HER2-positive and has not spread into the lymph nodes. If it has not spread into the lymph nodes, the cancer needs to be estrogen receptor / progesterone receptor (ER/PR)-negative or have one high-risk feature.* HERCEPTIN HYLECTA can be used in several different ways:

  • As part of a treatment course including the chemotherapy drugs doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and either paclitaxel or docetaxel. This treatment course is known as “AC➝TH”
  • With the chemotherapy drugs docetaxel and carboplatin. This treatment course is known as “TCH”
  • Alone after treatment with multiple other therapies, including an anthracycline (doxorubicin) based therapy (a type of chemotherapy)

Patients are selected for therapy based on an FDA-approved test for trastuzumab.

*High risk is defined as ER/PR-positive with one of the following features: tumor size >2 cm, age <35 years, or tumor grade 2 or 3.

Metastatic Breast Cancer

HERCEPTIN HYLECTA has 2 approved uses in adults with metastatic breast cancer:

  • HERCEPTIN HYLECTA in combination with the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel is approved for the first line treatment of Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2-positive (HER2+) metastatic breast cancer
  • HERCEPTIN HYLECTA alone is approved for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer in patients who have received one or more chemotherapy courses for metastatic disease

Patients are selected for therapy based on an FDA-approved test for trastuzumab.

Possible Serious Side Effects With HERCEPTIN

Not all people have serious side effects, but side effects with HERCEPTIN therapy are common.

Although some people may have a life-threatening side effect, most do not.

Your doctor will stop treatment if any serious side effects occur.

HERCEPTIN is not for everyone. Be sure to contact your doctor if you are experiencing any of the following:

HEART PROBLEMS

These include heart problems—such as congestive heart failure or reduced heart function—with or without symptoms. The risk for and seriousness of these heart problems were highest in people who received both HERCEPTIN and a certain type of chemotherapy (anthracycline). In a study of adjuvant (early) breast cancer, one patient died of significantly weakened heart muscle. Your doctor will check for signs of heart problems before, during, and after treatment with HERCEPTIN.

INFUSION REACTIONS, including:

  • Fever and chills
  • Feeling sick to your stomach (nausea)
  • Throwing up (vomiting)
  • Pain (in some cases at tumor sites)
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Shortness of breath

These signs usually happen within 24 hours after receiving HERCEPTIN.

Be sure to contact your doctor if you:

Are a woman who could become pregnant, or may be pregnant

HERCEPTIN may result in the death of an unborn baby or birth defects. Contraception should be used while receiving HERCEPTIN and for 7 months after your last dose of HERCEPTIN. If you are or become pregnant while receiving HERCEPTIN or within 7 months after your last dose of HERCEPTIN, you should immediately report HERCEPTIN exposure to Genentech at 1-888-835-2555.

Have any signs of SEVERE LUNG PROBLEMS, including:

  • Severe shortness of breath
  • Fluid in or around the lungs
  • Weakening of the valve between the heart and the lungs
  • Not enough oxygen in the body
  • Swelling of the lungs
  • Scarring of the lungs

Your doctor may check for signs of severe lung problems when he or she examines you.

Have LOW WHITE BLOOD CELL COUNTS

Low white blood cell counts can be life threatening. Low white blood cell counts were seen more often in patients receiving HERCEPTIN plus chemotherapy than in patients receiving chemotherapy alone.

Your doctor may check for signs of low white blood cell counts when he or she examines you.

Side Effects Seen Most Often With HERCEPTIN

Some patients receiving HERCEPTIN for breast cancer had the following side effects:

  • Fever
  • Feeling sick to your stomach (nausea)
  • Throwing up (vomiting)
  • Infusion reactions
  • Diarrhea
  • Infections
  • Increased cough
  • Headache
  • Feeling tired
  • Shortness of breath
  • Rash
  • Low white and red blood cell count
  • Muscle pain

Some patients receiving HERCEPTIN for metastatic stomach cancer had the following side effects:

  • Low white blood cell counts
  • Diarrhea
  • Feeling tired
  • Low red blood cell counts
  • Swelling of the mouth lining
  • Weight loss
  • Upper respiratory tract infections
  • Fever
  • Low platelet counts
  • Swelling of the mucous membranes
  • Swelling of the nose and throat
  • Change in taste

You should contact your doctor immediately if you have any of the side effects listed above.

You are encouraged to report side effects to Genentech and the FDA. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1–800–FDA–1088 or http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

You may also report side effects to Genentech at 1–888–835–2555.

Talk to a healthcare professional for more information about the benefits and risks of HERCEPTIN.

Please see additional select Important Safety Information throughout, and the accompanying full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNINGS.

If you cannot afford your medication, visit genentech-access.com/patient for financial assistance information.

 

Possible Serious Side Effects With HERCEPTIN HYLECTA

Not all people have serious side effects, but side effects with HERCEPTIN HYLECTA therapy are common.

Although some people may have a life-threatening side effect, most do not.

Your doctor will stop treatment if any serious side effects occur.

HERCEPTIN HYLECTA is not for everyone. Be sure to contact your doctor if you are experiencing any of the following:

HEART PROBLEMS

These include heart problems—such as congestive heart failure or reduced heart function—with or without symptoms. The risk for and seriousness of these heart problems were highest in people who received both HERCEPTIN HYLECTA and a certain type of chemotherapy (anthracycline). In a study of adjuvant (early) breast cancer, one patient died of significantly weakened heart muscle. Your doctor will check for signs of heart problems before, during, and after treatment with HERCEPTIN HYLECTA.

Contact a health care professional immediately for any of the following: new onset or worsening shortness of breath, cough, swelling of the ankles/legs, swelling of the face, palpitations, weight gain of more than 5 pounds in 24 hours, dizziness or loss of consciousness.

SEVERE LUNG PROBLEMS including:

  • Severe shortness of breath
  • Scarring of the lungs
  • Fluid in or around the lungs
  • Weakening of the valve between the heart and the lungs
  • Not enough oxygen in the body
  • Swelling of the lungs

Your doctor may check for signs of severe lung problems when he or she examines you.

These signs usually happen within 24 hours after receiving HERCEPTIN HYLECTA.

BE SURE TO CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU:

ARE A WOMAN WHO COULD BECOME PREGNANT, OR MAY BE PREGNANT

HERCEPTIN HYLECTA may result in the death of an unborn baby or birth defects. Contraception should be used while receiving HERCEPTIN HYLECTA and for 7 months after your last dose of HERCEPTIN HYLECTA. If you are or become pregnant while receiving HERCEPTIN HYLECTA or within 7 months after your last dose of HERCEPTIN HYLECTA, you are encouraged to report HERCEPTIN HYLECTA exposure to Genentech at 1–888–835–2555.

Have LOW WHITE BLOOD CELL COUNTS

Low white blood cell counts can be life threatening. Low white blood cell counts were seen more often in patients receiving intravenous trastuzumab plus chemotherapy than in patients receiving chemotherapy alone.

Your doctor may check for signs of low white blood cell counts when he or she examines you.

Experience HYPERSENSITIVITY AND ADMINISTRATION-RELATED REACTIONS, which have been reported with HERCEPTIN HYLECTA. Serious and fatal reactions have been reported after treatment with intravenous trastuzumab products. Your doctor will monitor you for signs of these reactions. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any symptoms of hypersensitivity and administration-related reactions, including dizziness, nausea, chills, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, hives, swelling under the skin, breathing problems, or chest pain.

SIDE EFFECTS SEEN MOST OFTEN

The most common side effects seen in treatment of adjuvant breast cancer with HERCEPTIN HYLECTA were tiredness, joint pain, diarrhea, injection site reaction, upper respiratory tract infection, rash, muscle pain, nausea, headache, swelling, flushing, fever, cough, and pain in extremity.

The most common side effects seen in treatment of metastatic breast cancer (based on intravenous trastuzumab) are fever, chills, headache, infection, congestive heart failure, insomnia, cough, and rash.

You should contact your doctor immediately if you have any of the side effects listed above.

You are encouraged to report side effects to Genentech and the FDA. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1–800–FDA–1088 or http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

You may also report side effects to Genentech at 1–888–835–2555.

Talk to a healthcare professional for more information about the benefits and risks of HERCEPTIN HYLECTA.

Please see the HERCEPTIN HYLECTA full Prescribing Information for additional Important Safety Information, including most serious side effects.

If you cannot afford your medication, visit genentech-access.com/patient for financial assistance information.

    • Herceptin Prescribing Information. Genentech, Inc. February 2021.

      Herceptin Prescribing Information. Genentech, Inc. February 2021.

    • FDA Approval Letter. Herceptin. September 25, 1998. At: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/appletter/1998/trasgen092598L.pdf. Accessed June 24, 2019.

      FDA Approval Letter. Herceptin. September 25, 1998. At: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/appletter/1998/trasgen092598L.pdf. Accessed June 24, 2019.

    • Romond EH, Perez EA, Bryant J, et al; from the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) and the North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG). Trastuzumab plus adjuvant chemotherapy for operable HER2-positive breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 2005;353(16):1673-1684. At: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa052122. Accessed June 24, 2019.

      Romond EH, Perez EA, Bryant J, et al; from the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) and the North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG). Trastuzumab plus adjuvant chemotherapy for operable HER2-positive breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 2005;353(16):1673-1684. At: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa052122. Accessed June 24, 2019.

    • ClinicalTrials.gov. Doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide plus paclitaxel with or without trastuzumab in treating women with node-positive breast cancer that overexpresses HER2. NCT00004067 updated January 15, 2019. At: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT00004067. Accessed June 24, 2019.

      ClinicalTrials.gov. Doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide plus paclitaxel with or without trastuzumab in treating women with node-positive breast cancer that overexpresses HER2. NCT00004067 updated January 15, 2019. At: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT00004067. Accessed June 24, 2019.

    • ClinicalTrials.gov. Doxorubicin hydrochloride, cyclophosphamide, and paclitaxel with or without trastuzumab in treating women with HER2-positive node-positive or high-risk node-negative breast cancer. NCT00005970 updated June 4, 2019. At: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT00005970. Accessed June 24, 2019.

      ClinicalTrials.gov. Doxorubicin hydrochloride, cyclophosphamide, and paclitaxel with or without trastuzumab in treating women with HER2-positive node-positive or high-risk node-negative breast cancer. NCT00005970 updated June 4, 2019. At: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT00005970. Accessed June 24, 2019.

    • Piccart-Gebhart MJ, Procter M, Leyland-Jones B, et al; for the Herceptin Adjuvant (HERA) Trial Study Team. Trastuzumab after adjuvant chemotherapy in HER2-positive breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 2005;353(16):1659-1672. At: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa052306. Accessed June 24, 2019.

      Piccart-Gebhart MJ, Procter M, Leyland-Jones B, et al; for the Herceptin Adjuvant (HERA) Trial Study Team. Trastuzumab after adjuvant chemotherapy in HER2-positive breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 2005;353(16):1659-1672. At: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa052306. Accessed June 24, 2019.

    • Slamon D, Eiermann W, Robert N, et al; for the Breast Cancer International Research Group (BCIRG). Adjuvant trastuzumab in HER2-positive breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 2011;365(14):1273-1283. At: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa0910383. Accessed June 24, 2019.

      Slamon D, Eiermann W, Robert N, et al; for the Breast Cancer International Research Group (BCIRG). Adjuvant trastuzumab in HER2-positive breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 2011;365(14):1273-1283. At: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa0910383. Accessed June 24, 2019.

    • ClinicalTrials.gov. Combination chemotherapy with or without trastuzumab in treating women with breast cancer. NCT00021255 updated November 15, 2016. At: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT00021255. Accessed June 24, 2019.

      ClinicalTrials.gov. Combination chemotherapy with or without trastuzumab in treating women with breast cancer. NCT00021255 updated November 15, 2016. At: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT00021255. Accessed June 24, 2019.