Question 1

What is Trastuzumab emtansine used for?

Accepted Answer

HER2-positive breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic breast cancer), early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer after surgery when there is still some cancer remaining

Question 2

How do you take Trastuzumab emtansine?

Accepted Answer

This is not a medicine you take at home. It is given as an intravenous infusion (drip) by a trained doctor or nurse at a hospital or cancer treatment centre. The usual dose is 3.6 mg per kg of your body weight, given once every 3 weeks. The first infusion takes about 90 minutes; if you tolerate it well, later infusions may take about 30 minutes.

Question 3

What are the side effects of Trastuzumab emtansine?

Accepted Answer

Tiredness and weakness, nausea or feeling like vomiting, muscle and joint pain, low platelet count which can make you bruise or bleed more easily, headache

Question 4

Who should not take Trastuzumab emtansine?

Accepted Answer

People who are allergic to trastuzumab emtansine or any of its ingredients, pregnant women or women planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding mothers, and people with severe liver problems. Your doctor must confirm your cancer is HER2-positive before starting this medicine.

Question 5

Is Trastuzumab emtansine safe during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Trastuzumab emtansine is NOT safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding — it can cause serious harm or death to an unborn baby, so women of childbearing age must use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 7 months after the last dose.

Trastuzumab emtansine

What is this drug?

What is it used for?

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