Hi There. I have been told Herceptin injection will be available soon. Has anyone had one already. Don't want to jump out of frying pan into fire! :)

Not to add to worry but not on the list is damage to the heart muscle. Again, it's not common but it's the one I was monitored for (none occurred).

Hello, it's Lisa from the Policy Team. A new form of Herceptin, called Herceptin SC, has been listed on the PBS for people with HER2-positive breast cancer. As you said, it is administered as an injection which takes about 2 to 5 minutes to deliver. We have developed a Beacon article which provides more information about this new form of Herceptin. You can read the article here. If you would like to know whether Herceptin SC might be suitable for you, it would be best to talk to you medical oncologist.Warm regards,Lisa

Hi, I'm getting herceptin via IV at the mo. I've heard conflicting stories on whether it will be available to me. I've heard of at least one place that is using it already.

I asked my chemo nurses about it last time I went in for my herceptin, she asked an on duty oncologist he just shrugged his shoulders. I am very interested in finding if it would suit as k have another to go and my veins are useless so its a drama everytime I have an IV. Guess I'll have to wait till July to see my oncologist. Cheers Jen ?? ?? ?? xx

Hi. The Herceptin injection is being offered at my chemo unit. The chemo nurses discussed it with me on Tuesday as an option I may wish to consider. I was told that the injection is on average about 5 mls. The dose is still based on the weight of the patient. It goes in the upper thigh. It takes about 3-5 minutes to receive this drug opposed to 30 -45 minutes to receive it by IV. It's common to get a raised bump at the injection site but that goes down in a couple of hours as the body absorbs the drug. It is being offered to women who are already receiving Herceptin by IV as studies have shown no real concerns switching between the two different delivery methods. I guess new patients may also be offered it. At least 3 women in my chemo unit are having the injections. I was also told there are no plans to allow the injections to be self administered (like Neulasta) at this stage. Not sure if I will take it up especially since I just had a second surgery to correct my port. Cheers Nadine

Herceptin Injection | BCNA Online Network

Cathy_b1961
Member
6 years ago
@Afraser thanks for that. There is so much info out there it is overwhelming sometimes. I have had a base line ecg and have a follow up one son. Fingers xd.
Afraser
Member
6 years ago
Not to add to worry but not on the list is damage to the heart muscle. Again, it's not common but it's the one I was monitored for (none occurred).
Blossom1961
Member
6 years ago
This came up on my page so thought I would add something even though it is a fairly old post. The Onco will keep your heart monitored for possible problems. Most people receiving herceptin have no side effects HOWEVER 10% of people will get one or more of the following
Side Effects Seen Most Often With HERCEPTIN
Some patients receiving HERCEPTIN for breast cancer had the following side effects:
Fever
Feeling sick to your stomach (nausea)
Throwing up (vomiting)
Infusion reactions
Diarrhea
Infections
Increased cough
Headache
Feeling tired
Shortness of breath
Rash
Low white and red blood cell counts
Muscle pain
This info is on the herceptin manufacturers site as well as the USA drug site and the UK research site and also in the Australian Medical Journal. I fall in the 10% and am ‘lucky’ enough to get six of these side effects.
Cathy_b1961
Member
6 years ago
Lmc1310 i am getting the s/c herceptin 17 x 3 weekly. No real side effects other than muscle aches which could be part of my chemo cocktail. Five min injection alternate thighs 30 min wait.....
Cassina
Member
8 years ago
Viking, thanks we are all new to this, and it is great to be able to discuss our experiences in this supportive site, It change my fears and helped me realize not only was I alone, many others have been through worse and come through in a positive journey
viking1
Member
8 years ago
Thank you ladies! I always feel better after talking to you. I think the 'old hands' must be able to spot the 'newbies' and their Fear. Your experience is really teaching me things such as don't jump ahead and catastrophise, it may never happen. I need that voice of reason. My only wish is that you didn't have to go through your experience in the first place. xxx
Cassina
Member
8 years ago
Viking, I had the same and yes the side effects of herceptin are heart problems, although not common. Radiation is often given usually for Her2 mine was 15 sessions, after chemo, If you have Herceptin it commences with Chemo before the injection commences due to helping it work better and also for funding issues. I had no problems with Radio, hated chemo and hated losing hair, however with suppport you get through it all, and I had no issues with veins or burns, it seems everyone has differing treatments and issues, Good luck and do keep positive
Amazonia
Member
8 years ago
Thanks @Kat09
its a bit hit and miss at the moment.
Herceptin can drag Taxol side effects along even though the Taxol is finished and that sometimes happens with me too but only 6 more to go and I'm done. :)
Kat09
Member
8 years ago
Hi @Amazonia , one of the ladies having treatment with me has had her Herceptin adjusted to be given over 60 mins as she was also getting side effects. She was getting alot of muscle pain but it has now eased since receiving the longer treatment. I hope that it does the same for you
primek
Member
8 years ago
@viking1 I don't know why but herceptin injection isnt being offered routinely in all chemo units which is interesting. The doses also can't be titrated to your size as closely as IV can so I'm unsure how that goes really. Need to ask lots of questions to be sure. Kath x

https://www.bcna.org.au/news/2016/04/new-form-of-herceptin-available-on-the-pbs/