Herceptin and Tachycardia

[Gair]

Has anyone experienced tachycardia (fast heart rate) when getting Herceptin?

When getting my first dose of Herceptin my heart rate went over 200 bpm as soon as the drip started and did not go back down until after a trip to emerg and a shot of Adenosine .

Now I cannot get any further treatments until I have a cardio consult.

I am also on Taxotere and that treatment is effective, so I am not TOO worried about missing Herceptin -- although with the glowing reports I see here I feel like a kid on the outside of the candy shop looking in!

thanks for your comments!

Gair

[Joe]

Did they give you any premeds with your first infusion? Genentech recommends Benedryl to be administered before the initial treatment.


Regards
Joe

[Marily]

Hi I also had a reaction to the first Herceptin dose.. so I was given pre meds again the second time and did fine.. we gradually stopped Iv premeds and I went along with my treatments with minor irritations like bad nails, and runny nose, and for me a bad tummy that night and mouth sores down the road. Oh and I never again had to wear rouge.. my cheeks were always bright red.. lol. Many of my other Herceptin friends did not experience any problems until like me much later on (after 4-5 years on Herceptin) Some early on experienced achy flu type symptoms for a couple days. Some had bad gas problems... but PHayzime for gas, Imodium AD for diarrhea, Biotene gum, tooth paste, and mouth was for the mouth sores helped. Rest and gatoraid did the rest!
for most of us. It is a good idea to get a baseline Mugga or heart scan to watch your heart.
, hugs Marily