Trastuzumab Emtansine

What is Trastuzumab Emtansine for?

Trastuzumab emtansine is used to treat breast cancer.
It is made up of an antibody (trastuzumab) linked to a chemotherapy drug (DM1, also known as emtansine). The antibody helps to deliver DM1 more directly to the cancer cells to kill them.

How should I take or use Trastuzumab Emtansine?

Trastuzumab emtansine is injected into the vein (given intravenously) as an infusion (drip).

What precautions should I take when taking or using Trastuzumab Emtansine?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
  • Female patients who may become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment and for 7 months after their last treatment.
  • Male patients with female partners who could become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment and for 7 months after your last treatment.
  • Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 7 months after your last dose.
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use Trastuzumab Emtansine?

Avoid taking traditional Chinese medication (TCM) or "jamu" when you are on this medication.

What are some common side effects of Trastuzumab Emtansine?

• Decreased white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. This may put you at increased risk of infections, bleeding or bruising, and feeling tired.
  • To reduce your risk of infection:
    • Practice good personal hygiene.
    • Avoid eating raw or half-cooked food.
    • Avoid crowded places and coming into close contact with people who are not feeling well. Wear a face mask when you’re going out.
  • To reduce your risk of bleeding:
    • Be careful when using sharp objects such as knives.
    • Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Diarrhea or constipation
  • To manage diarrhea:
    • Drink more water or clear fluids to replace the fluids lost.
    • Avoid oily, spicy food or dairy products.
  • To manage constipation:
    • Drink more water or clear fluids (if you do not have a limit on the amount of water you can drink each day).
• Mild nausea or vomiting
  • Take small, frequent meals.
  • Avoid food/smells that may make you feel nauseous such as oily, fried food or strong-smelling food.
• Muscle-ache or joint pain
  • It is usually mild and may go away after a few days. If the pain bothers you, you can take pain medication such as paracetamol.
• Fatigue
  • Eat well and get enough sleep. Manage your tasks better to ensure you make the best use of your energy.
• Numbness or tingling sensation in your hands or feet
  • Inform your doctor if this side effect affects your daily activities (e.g. you have problems buttoning your clothes or holding a pen to write).

What are some rare but serious side effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

• Infusion reaction, which is an allergic reaction that happens during the infusion. Symptoms include one or more of the following:
  • Fever, chills or shivering
  • Flushing (feeling warm)
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Itchy rashes
  • Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Symptoms of infection such as high fever of 38 ⁰C and above
• Unusual bleeding, bruising or black sticky stools
• Symptoms of liver problems (e.g. severe abdominal pain, tea coloured urine, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes)
• Symptoms of heart problems (e.g. feeling breathless, unusual weight gain or swelling of the lower legs)
• Symptoms of lung inflammation such as a dry cough that doesn’t go away and feeling more breathless than usual

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see your healthcare professional immediately.

What else should I know about Trastuzumab Emtansine?

This medication is also known as "ado-trastuzumab emtansine" or "T-DM1".