Trastuzumab deruxtecan is used to treat certain types of
cancer (such as breast cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer, esophageal
cancer, certain other solid tumors). This medication is called a monoclonal
antibody and topoisomerase inhibitor conjugate. Trastuzumab deruxtecan
works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist
before you start using trastuzumab deruxtecan and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
This medication is given by slow injection into a vein
by a health care professional. It is given as directed by your doctor,
usually once every 3 weeks. Your first infusion will be given over at least
90 minutes.
The dosage, the speed of your injection, and the length
of time you receive trastuzumab deruxtecan are based on your body weight,
medical condition, and response to treatment.
To get the most benefit from this medication, do not
miss any doses. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a
reminder.
See also Warning section.
Diarrhea, dizziness, stomach/abdominal pain,
constipation, nausea, vomiting, mouth sores, dry mouth, loss of appetite,
tiredness, hair loss, nose bleeds, or headache may occur. Nausea and
vomiting can be severe. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication
to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Eating several small meals, not
eating before treatment, or limiting activity may help lessen some of these
effects. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- unusual tiredness
- pale skin
- easy bruising/bleeding
Trastuzumab deruxtecan may lead to serious heart
problems, including heart failure. Past use of certain other anti-cancer
drugs (including anthracyclines such as doxorubicin) may increase your risk
of heart problems. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of
heart failure, including shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual
tiredness, unusual/sudden weight gain.
This medication may lower your ability to fight
infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal)
infection or make any infection you have worse. Tell your doctor right away
if you have any signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go
away, fever, chills, cough).
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
See also Warning section.
Before using trastuzumab deruxtecan, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to any trastuzumab emtansine,
trastuzumab, or trastuzumab-hyaluronidase products; or if you have any
other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients which can
cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for
more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- current infection
- heart disease
- lung problems
Trastuzumab deruxtecan can make you more likely to get
infections or may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who
has an infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19,
measles, flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection
or for more details.
Tell your health care professional that you are using
trastuzumab deruxtecan before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid
contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu
vaccine inhaled through the nose).
To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured,
use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid
activities such as contact sports.
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using trastuzumab
deruxtecan. Trastuzumab deruxtecan may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor
should order a pregnancy test before you start this medication. Women using
this medication should ask about reliable forms of birth control during
treatment and for 7 months after the last dose. Men using this medication
should ask about reliable forms of birth control during treatment and for 4
months after the last dose. If you or your partner becomes pregnant, talk
to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this
medication.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this drug and for 7 months after the last dose.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If you will be using an anthracycline (such as
doxorubicin) after stopping trastuzumab deruxtecan, if possible, wait at
least 7 months.
Trastuzumab deruxtecan is very similar to trastuzumab,
trastuzumab emtansine, and trastuzumab-hyaluronidase. Do not use a
trastuzumab, trastuzumab emtansine, or trastuzumab-hyaluronidase product
while using trastuzumab deruxtecan.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as heart exams, complete
blood counts, liver function) should be done before you start using this
medication and while you are using it. Keep all medical and lab
appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
It is important to get each dose of this medication as
scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for
a new dosing schedule.
Not applicable. This medication is given in a clinic or
hospital and will not be stored at home.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical
emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call
1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).