Anthracyclines/Trastuzumab Interactions

This information is generalized and not intended as specific medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional before taking or discontinuing any drug or commencing any course of treatment.

Medical warning:

Serious. These medicines may interact and cause very harmful effects. Contact your healthcare professional (e.g. doctor or pharmacist) for more information.

How the interaction occurs:

Trastuzumab and anthracyclines(daunorubicin, doxorubicin, epirubicin, idarubicin, mitoxantrone) when used separately can cause heart problems. The risk for heart related side effects may be greater when the medicines are used together.

What might happen:

Symptoms could include new or worsening shortness of breath, swelling in the ankles or legs, cough, palpitations, new onset of dizziness or rapid weight gain.

What you should do about this interaction:

Discuss this medication combination with your healthcare professionals (e.g. cancer doctor). They may want to do additional testing or monitoring to help decrease your risk for heart problems. It is important that you do not miss any of these tests. Contact your doctor right away if you have new or worsening shortness of breath, swelling in the ankles or legs, cough, palpitations, new onset of dizziness or rapid weight gain.Your healthcare professionals may already be aware of this interaction and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.