Herceptin is a monoclonal antibody that is used for the treatment of breast cancer. It is also prescribed for treatment of stomach cancer. Herceptin is only recommended for patients whose cancers are HER2-positive, characterized by the growth of the protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor. According to experts, 1 out of 5 cases of stomach and breast cancer are HER2-positive.
It is used during the early stages of breast cancer to complement surgery and chemotherapy and decrease the chances of the cancer growing again. The drug is also recommended for advanced stages of breast cancer and stomach cancer, wherein the tumors have spread out of the stomach. It should be noted that this drug does not cure breast and stomach cancer but only slows down the growth of the tumors and increases the survival chances of the patient.
Herceptin is administered intravenously, usually once a week for patients with breast cancer and once every three weeks for those with stomach cancer. The first session of administering the drug is usually longer as doctors will have to monitor the patient’s reaction to the medication. The dose, speed of injection and amount of time that the medication is administered will depend on the condition, body weight and response to treatment of the patient.
Herceptin Cost Information
The prices of Herceptin can be very prohibitive. Those who have insurance can buy the drug at lower prices. A kit of the drug fetches for around $3,500.
Dosage | Quantity | Price Without Insurance |
CVS Pharmacy |
| 440mg | 1 kit | $3,629.14 |
| 440mg | 2 kits | $7,520.03 |
Kmart |
| 440mg | 1 kit | $3,629.64 |
| 440mg | 2 kits | $7,421.53 |
Kroger |
| 440mg | 1 kit | $3,630.39 |
| 440mg | 2 kits | $7,421.53 |
Publix |
| 440mg | 1 kit | $3,629.89 |
| 440mg | 2 kits | $7,252.58 |
Rite Aid |
| 440mg | 1 kit | $3,701.50 |
| 440mg | 2 kits | $7,395.99 |
Target |
| 440mg | 1 kit | $3,647.19 |
| 440mg | 2 kits | $7,287.1 3 |
Walgreens |
| 440mg | 1 kit | $3,695.50 |
| 440mg | 2 kits | $7,382.49 |
Walmart |
| 440mg | 1 kit | $3,606.41 |
| 440mg | 2 kits | $7,341.04 |
Short-Term Side Effects
Cancer patients who are given Herceptin may notice side effects like diarrhea, muscle or joint pain, uncontrollable shaking and trembling, redness and itchiness of the front of the eyes and changes in blood pressure. Some may also experience flu-like symptoms like headache, chills and high temperature as well as irregular heartbeat, coughing, difficulty in breathing, nosebleeds and abdominal pain.
Normally, these side effects appear immediately after the patient has been infused with the drug. These should become less frequent and milder after the patient’s body gets accustomed to the medication. Side effects are said to occur in 1 out of 10 patients administered with Herceptin.
Long-Term Side Effects
Long term use of Herceptin may potentially weaken the heart muscles. This condition is characterized by chest pains, cough, heart fluttering and swelling in the legs or arms. Chronic use of Herceptin can also lead to heartburn, constipation and shingles. Patients who are given Herceptin are likewise given regular blood tests to check their kidney as kidney changes are one of the long term side effects of the drug. Other long term side effects of this cancer treatment are dry skin, dry mouth, hair thinning, depression, sweating and sleep problems.
Interactions
Herceptin should not be used with the following drugs:
- Sipuleucel-t
- Beclomethasone
- Paclitaxel
- Denosumab
- Fingolimod
How It Works
Herceptin works in treating cancer by slowing down the growth of the cancer cells. As an antibody, it targets the HER2 positive protein that is responsible for the growth of the cancer cells.
Generic Alternatives
Patients with cancer who find Herceptin price too prohibitive may opt for Tykerb.
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