Enhertu

Description

Generic Name:

Fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan

Description:
Enhertu (fam-trastuzumab-deruxtecan) is a targeted therapy cancer medicine that is used to treat types of HER2-positive and HER2-Low breast cancer, HER2 positive stomach cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has HER2 (ERBB2) mutations.

Enhertu works by preventing cancer cells from multiplying which slows the cancer growth and progression, and then its second action is to damage or kill the cancer cells.

Enhertu is made up of two cancer-fighting medicines joined together, a monoclonal antibody (fam-trastuzumab) and a chemotherapy drug (topoisomerase I inhibitor). Enhertu is an HER2-directed antibody and topoisomerase inhibitor conjugate.

Indication:
HER2-positive and HER2-Low breast cancer, HER2 positive stomach cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has HER2 (ERBB2) mutations.

Dosage:
Do not substitute Enhertu for or with trastuzumab (Herceptin, Herzuma, Kanjinti, Ogivri, Ontruzant, Trazimera) or adotrastuzumab emtansine (Kadcyla). They are not the same medicine.

Enhertu is given into your vein as an intravenous infusion once every three weeks. The first infusion will take over 90 minutes, but your next infusions are usually given over 30 minutes.

Enhertu may make your feel sick, and you may vomit. Your doctor may prescribe a medicine to prevent nausea and vomiting.

During an infusion it is possible to have an infusion-related reaction. If this happens, your healthcare provider may slow down or temporarily stop your infusion, if you have a severe infusion reaction, your healthcare provider may stop this treatment permanently.

If you develop side effects or your cancer progresses, your dose reduce may be reduced, treatment may be paused or even stopped.

The dose you will receive will depend on how much you weigh and your type of cancer.

Precaution & Warnings:
Lung problems. These may be severe, life-threatening or may lead to death. If you develop lung problems while on the medicine you maybe prescribed a corticosteroid medicine. It is important to tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following signs and symptoms of lung problems:
shortness of breath or trouble breathing
cough
fever
any change in breathing or any new or worsening breathing symptoms such as wheezing or chest tightness.
Low white blood cell count (neutropenia). It is common for this medicine to cause low white blood cell counts, and this can sometimes be severe. You should have your white blood cell levels checked before starting this medicine and again before starting each dose. If you develop any signs or symptoms of an infection or have fever or chills during treatment with this medicine, it is important to tell your healthcare provider right away.
Heart problems. This medicine may affect the heart’s ability to pump blood. You should have your heart function checked before starting treatment. If you get any of the following signs and symptoms, it is important to tell your healthcare provider right away:
irregular heartbeat
sudden weight gain
swelling of your ankles or legs
new or worsening shortness of breath

Prescription Information:
Proper doctor prescription is needed.
*Note: The prescription should not be older than 6 month.

Contraindication:
Some medications interact with Enhertu, so it is important to tell your doctor about any medicines that you are currently taking, or if you start or stop any medicine while you are having cancer treatment. Also tell your doctor about any vaccinations, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, minerals or herbal products that you take.