What is Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine used for?

Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine is an antibody-drug conjugate and used as a single agent to treat HER2-positive (metastatic breast cancer).

Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine may also be prescribed for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How does Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine work?

• Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine binds to HER2 proteins with affinity like that of Trastuzumab (drug used to treat breast cancer), which is required for its anti-tumour activity.
• Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine when inside the body becomes active and kills cancer causing cells.
• Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine only kills cancer causing cells and leave healthy cells unharmed.

How to take Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine ?

• The dosage of intravenous injection of Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine depends on the age, weight and medical condition of an individual. Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine is given by doctor or nurse at the hospital.
• One fusion of Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine is given one infusion every 3 weeks or as advised by your doctor in the hospital.
• Do not discontinue the medication without consulting a doctor.
• Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine is not recommended for anyone under the age of 18 years.
• If you miss a dose of Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine, please contact your doctor immediately.

What should you do when you have taken an overdose of Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine ?

If you have taken an overdose of Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine, please contact your doctor immediately.

Symptoms of overdose may include the following:

• Flushing, shivering fits, fever, trouble breathing
• Inflammation of lungs
• Jaundice
• Itching and tightness in chest
• Swelling of face or tongue, trouble swallowing
• Dry cough

What are the drugs that interact with Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine ?

Drugs that interact with Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine:

• Atazanavir
• Boceprevir
• Clarithromycin
• Conivaptan
• Darunavir
• Fosamprenavir
• Imatinib
• Indinavir
• Isoniazid
• Saquinavir
• Telaprevir
• Tipranavir
• Voriconazole

This is not a comprehensive list of drug interactions. Consult your doctor to know more about other possible drug interactions.

What are the side effects of Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine?

Most common side effects of Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine are:

• Flushing, shivering fits, fever, trouble breathing
• Inflammation of lungs
• Jaundice
• Itching and tightness in chest
• Swelling of face or tongue, trouble swallowing
• Dry cough

Please contact your physician immediately if you have

• develop tenderness or redness on skin, or swelling at the infusion site;
• trouble breathing, bad cough, swelling of the ankles or legs, palpitations, weight gain of more than 5 pounds in 24 hours, dizziness or loss of consciousness;
• chest pain or pressure.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Please consult your doctor to know more about other possible side effects.

What special precautions should be followed while taking Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine?

Seek doctors advice before taking any other drug or herbal products while on Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine.

You are advised not to take Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine if

• it has passed the expiry date of the medicine printed on the pack.
• the foil or packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering or there is discoloration.

What should you tell your doctor before taking Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine?

Tell your doctor if

• you are allergic to Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine or to any ingredients of this medicine.
• you are taking any other drugs, OTC medications, herbal products or nutritional supplements.
• you have any history of asthma, stomach, liver problems intestinal ulcers.
• you have a serious infusion-related reaction from using Trastuzumab (symptoms include flushing, chills, fever, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat or a drop in blood pressure).
• you are allergic to food, dyes, and preservatives.
• you are receiving treatment with blood thinning medicines (e.g. warfarin, heparin).
• you are planning a surgery or any procedure.
• you are pregnant or trying to conceive or are breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions about Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine

No, you can have your normal diet unless advised by your doctor.

Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine does not affect the driving ability. However, if you are feeling dizzy, it is better to avoid driving.

No interference has been found with alcohol while taking Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine. However, it is advisable not to take alcohol while on Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine.

Disclaimer:

The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Please seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.