The basics
Fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki (brand name- Enhertu) injection is an FDA-approved treatment for breast cancer and gastric cancer that cannot be removed by surgery or that has spread to other body parts after at least two other breast cancer treatments.
Fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki is in a class of medications called antibody-drug conjugates. It works by killing cancer cells.
Let us walk you through the key things you need to know about trastuzumab deruxtecan.
Make sure you read the IMPORTANT WARNING section at the end of this article.
How should I take trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu)?
Fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki is injected into a vein over 30 or 90 minutes by a doctor or nurse in a medical facility. It is usually injected once every 3 weeks for as long as your doctor recommends that you receive treatment.
Your doctor may delay or stop your treatment with fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki injection, or treat you with additional medications, depending on your response to the medication and any side effects that you experience.
Talk to your doctor about how you are feeling during your treatment. You can help them by tracking your side effects in Ankr.
What are the side effects of trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu)?
Common side effects
- nausea
- vomiting
- constipation
- diarrhea
- sores on the lips, mouth, or throat
- stomach pain
- loss of appetite
- weight gain
- hair loss
- tiredness
- dry eye(s)
- pale skin
- fever, chills, cough, or other signs of infection
- swelling of ankles or legs
- rash
Fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
Use the free Ankr platform or Ankr app to track your symptoms.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before receiving fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki injection (Enhertu)
- tell your doctor about your allergies
- tell your doctor about other intakes
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any disease, symptom, or treatment
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You should not become pregnant or breast-feed while you are receiving trastuzumab injections.
- Do not substitute ENHERTU for or with trastuzumab or ado-trastuzumab emtansine.
While you are on fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki injection (Enhertu)
- if you become pregnant while receiving trastuzumab injection, call your doctor. Trastuzumab may harm the fetus.
- tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You should not breast-feed while you are receiving fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki injection and for 7 months after your final dose.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Brand names
- Enhertu®
Last Revised -12/26/2023, FDA updated- 02/08/2023, SG
Fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki injection may cause serious or life-threatening lung damage, including interstitial lung disease (a condition in which there is scarring of the lungs) or pneumonitis (swelling of lung tissue). Tell your doctor if you have lung disease or breathing problems. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: new or worsening cough, difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness, fever, or shortness of breath.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or if you plan to father a child. You or your partner should not become pregnant while you are receiving fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki injection. If you are able to become pregnant, your doctor may perform a pregnancy test to be sure that you are not pregnant before you receive fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki injection. Females should use birth control during their treatment and for 7 months after your final dose. If you are male, you and your female partner should use birth control during your treatment and for 4 months after your final dose. Talk to your doctor about birth control methods that will work for you. If you or your partner becomes pregnant while receiving fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki injection, call your doctor. Fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki may harm the fetus.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain tests before and during treatment to check your body’s response to fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki.
Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer’s patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website (http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm085729.htm) or the manufacturer’s website to obtain the Medication Guide.
Talk to your doctor about the risk(s) of receiving fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki.
Get 24×7 support for fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki (Enhertu)
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