Herceptin

Herceptin is a medication used to hinder the growth of cancer of the breast. It can also be used for diminishing the size of the tumour in some cases.
Herceptin is a brand name for the generic medicine known as trastuzumab. It is given intravenously through a slender tube. It can be given along with chemotherapy or separately as well, provided the person has had two sessions of chemotherapy.
The preparation name used for treatment of breast cancer is Herceptin 150mg powder for solution for injection vials.
The medication has been approved by NICE or the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence to be given to initial and advanced cases of breast cancer.

How the medicine functions

Herceptin can be recommended to women who have excessive levels of HER2 protein, which is found on the top or surface layer of some cancer cells of breast. The drug functions by connecting itself to the protein HER2 and preventing the protein “epidermal growth factor” from contacting the cancer cells. A shortage of epidermal growth factor obstructs the further division and growth of cancer cells.
About 20% of women suffering from breast cancer have cancer cells which are receptive to herceptin and thus can have successful results from this medication. However, for the women with the disease who do not have high levels of the protein HER2, herceptin has little impact on the cancer cells.
It is possible to check HER2 protein levels through laboratory tests, in case your specialist feels it is required.
Herceptin is not suitable for people with heart disease.

Side effects

All medications do have side effects which can vary from person to person depending on their individual medical conditions. It is also difficult to predict which side effects will show up in a person. It is just that one needs to be watchful and notice any side effects that crop up when taking a medicine and inform your specialist accordingly. Herceptin can have the below listed side effects:

• High body temperature with associated flu-like signs
• Heart-related problems
• Diarrhoea, vomiting and nausea
• Pain in chest
• Abdominal pain
• Pains and aches in joints
• Muscle pain and tenderness
• Headache
• Breathlessness
• Cough
• Pneumonia

Rare cases can show signs of allergy like itching, shortness of breath, rashes.
Few of the side effects can be taken care of by medications, which the health professional can advice.
The specialist will certainly detect your heart rate prior to recommending herceptin as the medication can have adverse effects on heart health.