Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine
About
Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine is an anti-cancer medicine used in the treatment of Breast cancer. The abnormal growth of cancer (malignant) cells in the breast is known as breast cancer. Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine is used for treating patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer who have received prior treatment with trastuzumab and a taxane, separately or in combination.
Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine contains Ado-Trastuzumab Emtansine as an active ingredient, which belongs to the class of antibody-drug conjugates. It works by inhibiting the abnormal growth of cancer cells and, finally, causes the initiation of apoptosis.
Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine may cause certain side effects such as dry eyes, blurred vision, abdominal pain, dry mouth, chills, constipation, fatigue, nausea, rash, musculoskeletal pain, dizziness, headache, vomiting, cough, myalgia, and injection site reactions. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist, please consult your doctor. Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine will be administered by a trained healthcare doctor. Hence, do not self-administer.
Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine should be avoided if you are allergic to it or any other components of this medicine. Before starting the treatment, let your doctor know about your complete medical history and medication history, including vitamin and herbal supplements. Inform your doctor if you have any cardiovascular conditions, lung problems, or liver/kidney disease, as it can cause adverse effects. Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine is known to cause embryo-fetal toxicity. Hence, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, inform your doctor beforehand. Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine is not recommended for use in children as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Uses of Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine
Medicinal Benefits
Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine contains Ado-Trastuzumab Emtansine as an active ingredient used for treating patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer who have received prior treatment. This medicine works by inhibiting the excess production of a human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) protein in the mammalian cells. This causes inhibition of the cancer cell growth and, finally, initiation of apoptosis.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Myalgia
- Dry eyes
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Weakness
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions
- Pain at the site of injection
- Dizziness
- Low platelet count
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine should be avoided if you are allergic to it or any other components of this medicine. Inform your doctor if you have any lung problems, cardiovascular conditions or liver/kidney disease, as it can cause adverse effects. Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine is known to cause embryo-fetal toxicity. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, inform your doctor beforehand. Breastfeeding should be discontinued in nursing mothers during the treatment. Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine should be given to children only if prescribed by the pediatrician. Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine is not recommended for use in children as the safety and efficacy are not established. Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine may cause left ventricular ejection fraction, hepatotoxicity, interstitial lung disease, pneumonitis, neurotoxicity, and hypersensitivity reactions during the treatment. Hence, careful observation should be performed for any reactions in the patient.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine may interact with CYP3A4 inhibitors (clarithromycin, erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, ritonavir, verapamil, diltiazem), antiviral drugs (indinavir, efavirenz, atazanavir), etc.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interaction found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have cardiac problems, lung disease, liver/kidney disease or allergic reactions.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is unknown whether Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine interacts with alcohol or not. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Pregnancy
unsafeAdo Trastuzumab Emtansine is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may harm your foetus. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before receiving Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine. Use reliable methods of birth control while on treatment with Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid nursing your child while on treatment with Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine as it can cause serious side effects to the newborn baby.
Driving
not applicable-
Liver
cautionIt is unknown how hepatic impairment affects the pharmacokinetics of ado-trastuzumab emtansine conjugate. Hence, inform your doctor if you have any pre-existing liver disease. Your doctor may adjust the dose of the medicine based on the condition. Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine is known to cause hepatotoxicity in some patients. If you notice any reactions such as itching, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, abdominal pain, unusual bleeding, or pale or dark stools, discontinue the treatment and inform your doctor immediately.
Kidney
cautionLimited data are available on the effect of Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine in kidney-impaired patients. Hence, if you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor.
Children
unsafeAdo Trastuzumab Emtansine is not recommended for use in children as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Meditation and yoga have been proven very effective in helping cancer patients maintain a healthy attitude and body.
- Eat more lean meats, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain foods to give you more energy.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, as dehydration is often seen in cancers.
- Spending 30 minutes of your time doing some light physical activity can be very useful. However, do not over-exert yourself if you feel too tired.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
Special Advise
- Avoid intercourse while on treatment with Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine.
- Regular, complete blood count monitoring is advised during the treatment.
- All patients should be tested for HER2 test before starting the treatment regimen.
- Liver function tests (LFT) and pulmonary function tests (PFT) should be performed before starting the treatment and every 4 to 6 weeks during the treatment.
- Regular ECG and electrolytes should be monitored while receiving the medicine.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Breast Cancer: Breast cancer is a type of cancer with abnormal growth in the cells of the breast. There are different kinds of breast cancer, such as cancer occurring in lobules (glands that produce milk), ducts of the breast (the pathway that brings milk from glands to the nipple), and in the fatty tissue or the fibrous connective tissue within the breast. Symptoms of breast cancer include a lump in the breast, breast pain, redness, swelling, nipple discharge other than breast milk, bloody discharge, a lump or swelling under the arm, unexplained change in shape, size or appearance of the breast, peeling, flaking or scaling of the skin.
FAQs
Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine contains Ado-Trastuzumab, which works by inhibiting the excess production of a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in mammalian cells. This causes inhibition of the cancer cell growth.
Inform your doctor whether you have received any other breast cancer treatment. Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine may decrease left ventricular ejection fraction, hypersensitivity reactions, hepatotoxicity, liver failure, neurotoxicity, pulmonary toxicity, and embryo-fetal toxicity during the treatment. Hence, inform your oncologist if you have any cardiovascular conditions, liver/kidney disease, lung problems, are pregnant, are planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding before receiving Ado Trastuzumab Emtansine.
