The Web Health

Ontruzant

Generic name: trastuzumab [trans-TOO-zoo-mab]

Brand names: Herceptin, Herzuma, Kanjinti, Ogivri, Ontruzant, Trazimera
Drug class: HER2 inhibitors

What is Ontruzant?

Ontruzant can be used to treat certain kinds of breast cancer or stomach cancer and is sometimes used in conjunction with cancer drugs. Ontruzant may be prescribed when it is discovered that cancer may have spread to different parts of your organs (metastatic). Ontruzant can also be used for reasons not mentioned in this guideline for medication.

Side effects of Ontruzant

See a doctor immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction, like hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of your lips, face, and throat,

There are some side effects that can happen in the course of treatment or within the following days. Contact your physician immediately when you experience dizziness and feel ill-adjusted, itchy, lightheaded, weak, or exhausted, or if you suffer from a headache, fever chills, or chest discomfort.

Ontruzant may cause serious side effects. Contact your physician immediately in the event of:

  • A new or escalating new or worsening
  • A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you've passed out;
  • Extreme headache with fuzzy vision and the pounding of your neck or ears;
  • The appearance of ulcers or blisters in your mouth, swollen or red gums, difficulty swallowing
  • Heart issues: pounding heartbeats, dizziness, swelling of your legs, weight gain that is rapid, being short of breath;
  • Low blood cell counts, fever, chills, tiredness, and skin sores. It is easy bleeding, unusual bruises, dull skin chills, cold fingers and toes, or feeling lightheaded or
  • Signs of tumour cell breakdown: tiredness, weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fast or slow heart rate, tingling in your hands and feet, or around your mouth.

The treatment for cancer may be delayed or completely stopped when you experience certain negative side effects.

Common negative side effects of Ontruzant can include:

  • Heart issues;
  • Nausea, diarrhoea, weight loss;
  • Headache;
  • Trouble sleeping, tired;
  • Low blood cell count;
  • Rash;
  • Cough, chills, fever, or other indications of illness;
  • Mouth sores;
  • Changed taste perception; or
  • Cold symptoms like sinus pain, stuffy nose, and sore throat

This isn't an exhaustive list of possible side effects, and other side effects could occur. Consult your physician for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You may report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Similar/related drugs

Letrozole, Tamoxifen, Keytruda, Arimidex, Capecitabine, Pembrolizumab, and Femara

Warnings

Do not take it if you're expecting. Use effective birth control and inform your physician if you become pregnant while receiving treatment. Ontruzant could cause the heart to fail, particularly in the case of an underlying heart condition or if you are taking other cancer medications. Certain side effects could be experienced during an injection. Tell your carers that you are feeling dizzy or nauseated, lightheaded and weak, or exhausted, or if you experience an illness that causes a headache, fever, or chills.

Before you take this drug

Inform your doctor if you have ever suffered from:

  • Heart disease;
  • Congestive heart failure;
  • A heart attack; or
  • Allergies or breathing issues.

Ontruzant could result in heart problems, particularly in patients with heart disease or who are taking other cancer medications (such as daunorubicin, doxorubicin, epirubicin, or idarubicin). It is possible that you will need to take an unfavourable pregnancy test prior to commencing this treatment.

Do not take Ontruzant while you are expecting. Ontruzant can cause injuries or even death to an unborn baby. Utilise effective birth control to stop pregnancy while taking this medicine and for a minimum of 7 months following your last dose. Inform your doctor if you discover you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant while taking Ontruzant and within seven months of stopping use, your name might be placed on a pregnancy registry to monitor the effects of trastuzumab on the child. It's not always safe to breastfeed during this medication and at least 7 months after the last dose. Talk to your doctor about any potential risks.

How to take Ontruzant?

The doctor will run an exam to be certain that Ontruzant is the correct medication to treat the cancer. Ontruzant is administered as an injection into the vein. The healthcare professional will give the injection. Ontruzant is typically prescribed every week or once each time for a period of 1 to 3 weeks. Follow the instructions of your physician for dosage extremely carefully. The medicine should be administered slowly, and infusions can take as long as 90 minutes to complete.

There is a possibility that you will require regular tests to ensure that this medication does not cause negative consequences. The treatment for cancer may be delayed based on the results. The function of your heart may have to be monitored prior to and during the treatment process with Ontruzant. It is also possible to have a test for heart function every six months for two years following the last dose of the medicine. Ontruzant can be prescribed for 52 weeks or until your body's response to the drug ceases.

What happens if I miss the dose?

Consult your physician for further instructions in the event that you don't make an appointment to see your ontruzant.

What happens if I overdose?

For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact for help at the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should be avoided?

Follow the instructions of your physician regarding any restrictions on your food, drink, or activities.

Interaction with other drug

Other medications may also impact Ontruzant. Other medications can affect Ontruzant, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your physician about all the medicines you are currently taking and any medication you begin or stop taking.

Ontruzant could have long-lasting impacts on the heart, specifically when you are taking other cancer medications. At least seven months after the final dose of trastuzumab, inform any physician who treats you that you've used Ontruzant.