Question 1

what is the definition or description of: herceptin (trastuzumab) allergy?

Accepted Answer

See below: Allergy is aberrant immune response to any entity.

Question 2

what causes herceptin (trastuzumab) headache?

Accepted Answer

Let me explain: The thoery is Herceptin (trastuzumab) infusion cause  contious vasodilatation which is thought to provoke the headache.

Question 3

my blood pressure has been high 151/101.  i am on herceptin could this be the cause?  how worried should i be.  most recent echo came back normal.

Accepted Answer

Needs treatment: Please talk to your doctor as your blood pressure need to be measured accurately to ensure that it is as high as you stated. If it is that high as your reported, you may need to change your diet, exercise and may need medication.

Question 4

does being on herceptin (trastuzumab) for breast cancer cause you to gain weight?

Accepted Answer

Haven't seen that: Unlike some of the hormonal therapies, Herceptin (trastuzumab) should not cause weight gain except of course if the person is debilitated and the drug improves your condition...Then i would actually expect healthy weight gain. That I have seen.

Question 5

how does herceptin (trastuzumab) work?

Accepted Answer

Many ways: Described by dr. Clifford hudis in nejm in 2007.  It can reduce her2 signaling, it can recruit cells to directly kill cancer cells.  Her2 can activate a protein called p95.  Herceptin (trastuzumab) can block this thereby reduce signaling leading to cell death.  It is a multifaceted medication so this is why it is probably the most important drug in her2 positive breast cancer.  Hope this helps.

Question 6

who should avoid taking herceptin (trastuzumab)?

Accepted Answer

History heart failur: There are many considerations, but you should not take Herceptin (trastuzumab) if you have a history of congestive heart failure.  Visit with your doctor to see if Herceptin (trastuzumab) is right for you.

Question 7

side effects of herceptin (trastuzumab)?

Accepted Answer

Mostly heart related: But it depends on pre existent heart problems, whether used alone or in combination with other drugs, and which drugs.

Question 8

unpleasant side effects of herceptin (trastuzumab)?

Accepted Answer

Heart failure: About 4% of women treated with Herceptin (trastuzumab) develop some weakness in their heart.  This decrease in heart function is almost always reversible when the drug is stopped.  Other side effects of Herceptin (trastuzumab) can include allergic reaction, fatigue, headache and diarrhea.  Most of my patients have no side effects!

Question 9

what is the effect of herceptin (trastuzumab) on tumor?

Accepted Answer

Herceptin (trastuzumab): Trasuzumab, is a humanized antibody to the her-2-neu receptor, in the erb family of receptors.  It blocks these receptors from their abiliy to institute cell cycling, and thus those expresing her-2 neu antigen/receptor can be blocked, and teh cells can apoptose.

Question 10

what are the risks with herceptin (trastuzumab) therapy?

Accepted Answer

Heart failure: About 4% of women treated with Herceptin (trastuzumab) develop some weakness in their heart as measured by a muga test.  This decrease in heart function is reversible when the drug is stopped.  Other side effects of Herceptin (trastuzumab) can include allergic reaction, fatigue, headache and diarrhea.  Most of my patients have no side effects!

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Doctor answers about:

Cause of herceptin allergy

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: herceptin (trastuzumab) allergy?

A member asked:

What causes herceptin (trastuzumab) headache?

A member asked:

My blood pressure has been high 151/101. i am on herceptin could this be the cause? how worried should i be. most recent echo came back normal.

A member asked:

Does being on herceptin (trastuzumab) for breast cancer cause you to gain weight?

A member asked:

How does herceptin (trastuzumab) work?

A member asked:

Who should avoid taking herceptin (trastuzumab)?

A member asked:

Side effects of herceptin (trastuzumab)?

A member asked:

Unpleasant side effects of herceptin (trastuzumab)?

A member asked:

What is the effect of herceptin (trastuzumab) on tumor?

A member asked:

What are the risks with herceptin (trastuzumab) therapy?

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