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Trade name

Herceptin^®SC

What Herceptin^®SC is and what it is used for?

• Herceptin^®SC is a combination of trastuzumab and hyaluronidase. Trastuzumab is a monoclonal antibody which targets the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) on cells. HER2 is found in large amounts on the surface of some cancer cells, resulting in tumors growing more quickly. By attaching to the HER2, trastuzumab blocks HER2 from receiving growth signals, preventing further cancer growth and slowing cancer progression. Hyaluronidase is added to increase absorption of trastuzumab under the skin.
• Herceptin^®SC can be used alone or in combination with other medicines to treat patients with HER2 positive breast cancer.

How Herceptin^®SC is given?

• It is injected under the skin into the thigh over 2 to 5 minutes.
• This medicine should not be given into areas where the skin is red, bruised, tender or hard. The injection site should be alternated between the left and right thighs.

What should I need to know while receiving Herceptin^®SC?

• An allergic reaction may happen during or shortly after the injection, causing rash, dizziness, fever and chills, swelling of hands, feet or face, breathing difficulties, and a drop in blood pressure. Tell your nurse right away if you feel unwell during an injection.
• Do not use Herceptin^®SC when you are pregnant. Effective contraception should be used during treatment and for at least 7 months after the last dose.
• Do not breastfeed and for 7 months after treatment has ended.
• Do not receive any kind of vaccination without doctor's approval.
• You will have regular blood tests and an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check that you have enough blood cells and have adequate organ functions to receive this drug. The timing of your treatment may be changed based on the test results or other side effects.
• The existing health problems may affect the use of Herceptin^®SC. Let your doctor know if you have any other medical problems, especially if you have heart, lung or breathing problems.
• Many drugs may affect how Herceptin^®SC works. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Common side effects

• Injection site reaction

You might have stinging or a dull ache for a short time after injection. The skin in the injection site may go red and itchy for a while. These reactions typically occur within 1-2 days and usually disappear on their own.

• Low white blood cell count

You may have a higher risk of getting infections. Try to stay away from crowds and wash hands often. Tell your doctor right away if you have repeated fevers, coughing, stuffy nose, a painful urination or wound that becomes red and swollen.

• Nausea or vomiting

Medicines may be given before the treatment to prevent it happening. Eating and drinking often in small amounts may reduce the discomfort.

• Weakness and fatigue

Try to pace yourself and rest as much as possible. Seek medical advice if fatigue does not go away when you rest and sleep.

• Diarrhea

Talk to your doctor and ask for advice. Drinking plenty of water and dietary changes can improve diarrhea.

• Skin reactions

Symptoms include dryness, itching, and rash. Tell your doctor about any skin changes that you have. Your doctor can give you medicines and advices that help you feel better.

• Difficulty sleeping

Talk to your doctor if this bothers you. Treatments usually include lifestyle changes, medications, or a combination of both.

• Flu like symptoms

Symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pains and shivering may occur a few hours after treatment. These symptoms generally last for 2 to 3 days. Seek medical help if you do not get any better..

Rare but serious side effects

• Changes in heart function

This drug may affect heart function, including without symptoms, such as reduced heart function, and with symptoms, such as congestive heart failure. Seek medical help at once if you notice that you have swelling in the legs, an abnormal heartbeat or pain or tightness in your chest.

• Lung or breathing problems

Tell your doctor if you develop difficulty breathing with wheezing and coughing or there is any existing breathing problems get worse.

More Information

• Alcohol and cigarettes may interfere with certain medicines or worsen side effects from chemotherapy treatment. It is wise to avoid alcohol and cigarette smoking during cancer treatment. If you have any problem about drinking alcohol and smoking, you should check with your doctor.