Ado-trastuzumab emtansine (Intravenous)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 14, 2022.
Do not substitute ado-trastuzumab emtansine with or for trastuzumab. Hepatotoxicity, liver failure, reductions in left ventricular ejection fraction, and death have occurred in ado-trastuzumab emtansine-treated patients. Monitor hepatic function and left ventricular function before beginning treatment and before each dose. Modify, hold, or discontinue treatment as necessary. Exposure to ado-trastuzumab emtansine during pregnancy can result in embryo-fetal harm. Advise patients of these risks and the need for effective contraception .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Kadcyla
Available Dosage Forms:
- Powder for Solution
Therapeutic Class: Antineoplastic Agent
Pharmacologic Class: Antibody Drug Conjugate
Uses for ado-trastuzumab emtansine
Ado-trastuzumab emtansine injection is used to treat HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (cancer that has spread) in patients who have previously received other medicines (eg, trastuzumab, taxane medicine) that did not work well or whose cancer has returned during or within 6 months of completing treatment. It is also used as additional treatment in patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer who have cancer left after a taxane medicine and trastuzumab-based treatment.
HER2 protein is produced by some breast tumors. Ado-trastuzumab emtansine interferes with the growth of this protein which also prevents tumor growth. The tumor cells will then be destroyed by the body.
Ado-trastuzumab emtansine is to be given only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.
Before using ado-trastuzumab emtansine
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For ado-trastuzumab emtansine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to ado-trastuzumab emtansine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of ado-trastuzumab emtansine injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of ado-trastuzumab emtansine injection in the elderly.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving ado-trastuzumab emtansin..
