Herzuma

Digital Pharmacist

The RxWiki Digital Pharmacist stamp of approval lets you know that this content has been created and reviewed by a licensed pharmacist.

Herzuma treats certain breast and stomach cancers. Herzuma may effect the heart, therefore your heart function will be checked before, during and after treatment.

Herzuma Overview

Reviewed: January 13, 2019
Updated: 

Herzuma is a prescription medication used to treat adults with certain types of breast cancers and stomach cancer in which human epithelial growth factor receptor (HER2) is overexpressed. 

Herzuma, a monoclonal antibody, belongs to a group of drugs called HER2/neu receptor antagonists. HER2 is found in large amounts on the surface of some cancer cells where it promotes their growth. When Herzuma binds to HER2 it stops the growth of such cells and causes them to die.

This medication is available in an injectable form to be given directly into a vein (IV) by a healthcare professional. For early breast cancer, metastatic breast cancer and metastatic gastric cancer, Herzuma is given every 3 weeks. Herzuma may also be given once a week for metastatic breast cancer.

Common side effects of Herzuma include fever, chills, headache, diarrhea, nausea, chills, congestive heart failure, insomnia, cough, and rash.

How was your experience with ?

First, a little about yourself

Tell us about yourself in a few words?

What tips would you provide a friend before taking ?

What are you taking for?

Choose one
  • Other

How long have you been taking it?

Choose one
  • Less than a week
  • A couple weeks
  • A month or so
  • A few months
  • A year or so
  • Two years or more

How well did work for you?

Did you experience many side effects while taking this drug?

How likely would you be to recommend to a friend?

Herzuma Drug Class

Back to Top

Herzuma is part of the drug class:

Herzuma FDA Warning

Back to Top

WARNING: CARDIOMYOPATHY, INFUSION REACTIONS, EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY, AND PULMONARY TOXICITY

Cardiomyopathy

Administration of trastuzumab products can result in sub-clinical and clinical cardiac failure. The incidence and severity was highest in patients receiving trastuzumab with anthracycline-containing chemotherapy regimens.

Evaluate left ventricular function in all patients prior to and during treatment with Herzuma. Discontinue Herzuma treatment in patients receiving adjuvant therapy and withhold Herzuma in patients with metastatic disease for clinically significant decrease in left ventricular function.

Infusion Reactions; Pulmonary Toxicity

Administration of trastuzumab products can result in serious and fatal infusion reactions and pulmonary toxicity. Symptoms usually occur during or within 24 hours of administration. Interrupt Herzuma infusion for dyspnea or clinically significant hypotension. Monitor patients until symptoms completely resolve. Discontinue Herzuma for anaphylaxis, angioedema, interstitial pneumonitis, or acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Embryo Fetal Toxicity

Exposure to trastuzumab products during pregnancy can result in oligohydramnios and oligohydramnios sequence manifesting as pulmonary hypoplasia, skeletal abnormalities, and neonatal death. Advise patients of these risks and the need for effective contraception.