Herceptin every 3 weeks/infusion time
 

Hi, I was wondering how long the infusion time is for the Herceptin every 3 weeks. My inital was 90 minutes and I thought it was at least 60 minutes for each treatment after that. The treatment nurse wanted to give it to me in a 30 minute infusion time and I refused. I insisted on 60 minutes and got it that way. I think I read on this board that a longer infusion rate is easier on the heart. Are there are results or articles anyone could please post as a resource to show others (onc,nurses)? Also, I am ER+. Is there hormonal therapy that is being given along with Herceptin? I was on Tamoxifen but my onc stopped it once I started on the herceptin. I finished AC+T chemo one year ago so I'm very lucky to be on Herceptin. I was stage 2, grade 3, 2.3cm IDC, sentinel node negative, Her 2 +, ER/PR +. I was dx at 35 and have since had a complete hyst to shut down my ovaries. Thank you very much.

Hi,

I get Herceptin every 3 weeks and it is a 90 minute infusion.

Karen

Hi, I have nearly the same DX as you but 47 yo. My herceptin infusion is 90 minutes, on the once every 3 week plan. I think it was 45 min when I had the lower dose weekly. I don't know why, but I'll ask when I go in again.

Am on tamoxifen, and will be switching to an AI on my one year anniversary of menopause. The studies I have read show that it is beneficial to take tamox and/or AI with herceptin.

Keep asking questions. Search this website. Good luck. BB

My Herceptin infusion (weekly) is 30 minutes. It has gone down considerably as they realize I'm not going to suffer a reaction. My very first one back 3 years ago sent me into shock and near death in the Critical Care ward for a few days. The second infusion, while still in the hospital, was 8 HOURS long. At that point they were taking no chances. But since then, whether the infusion was weekly or tri-weekly, it's been either 45 minutes or 30 minutes (preceeded by 2 Tylenol.) And my heart tests have all been strong.


Love and light,

Lisa

I get weekly infisions, and it is given to me in about 1 hour to 45 minutes, they run it slower for me.



Vicki

I get Herceptin weekly and they run it 30 minutes. However, I get 1 tylenol and in that case they wait 30 minutes before giving me Herceptin. I figured out if I take the tylenol at home and that saves me waiting 30 minutes of wait time. Hugs, Sandy

Here we go must be 30 days again and I have to register. Well, I don't have time to tonight. Sandy

Well, I logged in and it worked usually I have to register and get a new password. Am I happy over this!! Sandy

My weekly infusion is 30 minutes; when I was on 3 weekly, it was usually an hour, sometimes a bit longer.

<3 Lolly

My very first chemo (loading dose) of herceptin was 90 minutes. I had no problems at all that first time around. My infusion nurse was thrilled. Then I had the weekly after that...since I had no problems the first round...they still continue to do mine in 30 minutes.

Chelee

I get it every 3 weeks and it's 90 minutes!Maggie

I get it every 3 weeks and it is 30 minutes...the only dose that was longer was my loading dose, and it was 1 1/2 hours. I do not get any pre meds either and have never had a problems in 2 1/2 years.

I get Herceptin every three weeks and it is a 90 minute infusion.


I also got my ovaries removed since I am ER+ and I am taking Arimidex (an AI) as well. Herceptin and an AI are a great combination (one-two punch).

I would insist on the AI if you have completed chemo and rads.

Becky

I get mine weekly which is 30 minutes. My friend gets hers every 3 weeks and hers is also 30 minutes. They were taking longer on hers but when they saw she could tolerate it, they speed up the drip. ...sherryg683

I receive my herceptin every three weeks in 30 minutes with no premeds. To date I have not had any problems.

30 minute sessions for me....
 

I get Herceptin every 3 weeks for 30 minutes each session.

-Nancy

I have been on herceptin for 4 years and have received it in 30 minutes whether I had it every 3 weeks, every week or every other week that I am currently on.

every 3 weeks, an hour for the infusion itself and about 1/2 hour afterwards for the "flushing" of the lines as they call it! No pre meds or post meds.

Every three weeks for 30 minutes with no meds, and no problems!!
Barbara H.

I get herceptin every 3 weeks over 90 mns too.I also get two Tylenol and benedryl although I have had no problems or bad reactions to date.