If you or a loved one has been treated for cancer, your doctor may have mentioned a drug called Trastuzumab and Hyaluronidase. These two names can seem a bit complicated. But don't worry. Being well-informed about each treatment you receive can be a great help in your journey to fight cancer. So today, let's talk briefly about this drug, what it does, and what you need to be careful about when using it.
What kind of medicine is this? What exactly does it do?
Simply put, this is a special medicine used to treat certain types of breast cancer and stomach cancer. It contains a combination of two types of drugs.
1. Trastuzumab: This belongs to a special class of drugs called `(monoclonal antibody)`. Think of it like a specially trained missile. Some cancer cells have too much of a protein called `HER2` on their surface. This protein causes cancer cells to grow rapidly. Trastuzumab works by going directly to cancer cells that have this `HER2` protein, attaching to them, and stopping the signals they receive to grow. It also helps our body's own immune system destroy these cancer cells. This is what we call targeted therapy .
2. Hyaluronidase: This is the other drug in this. Its function is to help the aforementioned Trastuzumab drug be absorbed into the body easily and quickly under the skin. It does a job like paving the way for that missile.
This drug may be available in the market under names such as `(HERCEPTIN HYLECTA)`.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before starting this treatment, it is very important to discuss your complete health history with your doctor. This medicine is not suitable for everyone. Be sure to mention any of the following conditions, especially if you have:
- Heart disease: If you already have a heart condition, such as heart failure or high blood pressure, be sure to tell your doctor about it, as this medication can sometimes affect heart function.
- Lung or respiratory diseases: If you have lung-related diseases such as asthma, inform them about that as well.
- Allergies: Tell us if you have any allergies to this medication, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
- Pregnancy: This is very important if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or have even the slightest suspicion that you are pregnant . We will talk about this in more detail.
- Breastfeeding: If you are breastfeeding a child, you should also tell your doctor about it.
How is this vaccine given and what precautions should be taken?
This is not a medicine you can take home and use. This is an injection that is given under the skin . This means that a trained health professional will give you this vaccine in a hospital or clinic.
Important: If you think you have accidentally taken an overdose of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This is a medicine prescribed for you only, so never share it with others. Also, if you miss your scheduled appointment, call your doctor or clinic immediately and schedule an appointment for the next scheduled appointment. Skipping appointments is not a good idea.
Things to pay special attention to when undergoing treatment
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
This is the thing you need to be most careful about during this treatment.
It is important to avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine and for 7 months after stopping treatment. This is because this medicine can cause serious harm to the unborn baby.
Before starting treatment, you will be tested to make sure you are not pregnant. You will need to use a reliable form of birth control during treatment and for 7 months afterward. Talk to your doctor about this. You should also avoid breastfeeding your baby during this time.
Infection and first treatment course
While taking this medicine, your immune system may be slightly weakened. Therefore, if you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, or a sore throat , do not self-medicate and talk to your doctor. It is also wise to stay away from people who are sick.
Some people may experience fever, chills, and shivering when they first get the vaccine. This is usually not serious and can be managed with other medications given at the time. However, if you feel anything unusual during the vaccine, tell the nurse or doctor right away.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medication, this one can have side effects. Not everyone gets them. But it's important to be aware of them. Let's break them down into two categories.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue or face. |
| Breathing difficulties | Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, cough. |
| Heart symptoms | Chest pain, feeling like your heart is beating fast, swelling in your legs or ankles, sudden fatigue. |
| Signs of infection | Symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, and cold. |
| Side effects that often do not require medical attention (but should be reported to the doctor if they persist) | |
| General inconveniences | Bone pain, joint pain, nausea/vomiting, stomach upset, change in taste, extreme fatigue, weight loss. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience any unusual symptoms in addition to these, talk to your doctor about them.
Take-Home Message
- Trastuzumab and hyaluronidase are a special treatment that is given under the skin to target and destroy cancer cells.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor all your health information, especially heart disease, lung disease, and allergies.
- Avoid pregnancy completely while taking this treatment and for 7 months after stopping. Also avoid breastfeeding during that time. This is very important.
- If you develop serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, facial swelling, or fever, notify your doctor immediately.
- Do not stop treatment until your doctor tells you to. Go to the clinic on time. If you have any problems, don't be afraid to ask your doctor. You are not fighting this battle alone.
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