HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - Why do I have to fight for Benedryl?! (Warning, vent!)

Sheila · 12-22-2009, 07:02 AM

Chelee
Like Pam, I hated the effects of the Benedryl IV...there was no way I could drive after that...I got it as a premed with Taxol. It is given by some infusion centers before herceptin , but is not standard.

The Pepcid is also a H2 histamine receptor antagonist; action: inhibits histamine at H2 receptor site in parietal cells...which not only blocks gastric juices, but aids in reactions to drugs....I would think it would be more expensive. If it continues to be an issue, make sure it is ordered and the reason why, then they must give it to you. If its a cost issue, and the insurance wont pay, you are better off to pop 2 oral Benedryl at least an hour before the infusion...to pay for it yourself may not be feasible...we all know what they charge for an aspirin, like 10.00...so you can imagine a drug that is administered IV.....

Hope this helps!!!!

12-22-2009, 07:02 AM	#5
Sheila Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Morris, IL Posts: 3,507	Re: Why do I have to fight for Benedryl?! (Warning, vent!) Chelee Like Pam, I hated the effects of the Benedryl IV...there was no way I could drive after that...I got it as a premed with Taxol. It is given by some infusion centers before herceptin , but is not standard. The Pepcid is also a H2 histamine receptor antagonist; action: inhibits histamine at H2 receptor site in parietal cells...which not only blocks gastric juices, but aids in reactions to drugs....I would think it would be more expensive. If it continues to be an issue, make sure it is ordered and the reason why, then they must give it to you. If its a cost issue, and the insurance wont pay, you are better off to pop 2 oral Benedryl at least an hour before the infusion...to pay for it yourself may not be feasible...we all know what they charge for an aspirin, like 10.00...so you can imagine a drug that is administered IV..... Hope this helps!!!! __________________ "Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle." Hugs & Blessings Sheila Diagnosed at age 49.99999 2/21/2002 via Mammography (Calcifications) Core Biopsy 2/22/02 L. Mastectomy 2/25/2002 Stage 1, 0.7cm IDC, Node Neg from 19 nodes Her2+++ ER PR Neg 6/2003 Reconstruction W/ Tissue Expander, Silicone Implant 9/2003 Stage IV with Mets to Supraclavicular nodes 9/2003 Began Herceptin every 3 weeks 3/2006 Xeloda 2500mg/Herceptin for recurrence to neck nodes 3/2007 Added back the Xeloda with Herceptin for continued mets to nodes 5/2007 Taken Off Xeloda, no longer working 6/14/07 Taxol/Herceptin/Avastin 3/26 - 5/28/08 Taxol Holiday Whopeeeeeeeee 5/29 2008 Back on Taxol w Herceptin q 2 weeks 4/2009 Progression on Taxol & Paralyzed L Vocal Cord from Nodes Pressing on Nerve 5/2009 Begin Rx with Navelbine/Herceptin 11/09 Progression on Navelbine Fought for and started Tykerb/Herceptin...nodes are melting!!!!! 2/2010 Back to Avastin/Herceptin 5/2010 Switched to Metronomic Chemo with Herceptin...Cytoxan and Methotrexate Pericardial Window Surgery to Drain Pericardial Effusion 7/2010 Back to walking a mile a day...YEAH!!!! 9/2010 Nodes are back with a vengence in neck Qualified for TDM-1 EAP 10/6/10 Begin my miracle drug, TDM-1 Mixed response, shrinking internal nodes, progression skin mets after 3 treatments 12/6/10 Started Halaven (Eribulen) /Herceptin excellent results in 2 treatments 2/2011 I CELEBRATE my 9 YEAR MARK!!!!!!!!!!!!! 7/5/11 begin Gemzar /Herceptin for node progression 2/8/2012 Gemzar stopped, Continue Herceptin 2/20/2012 Begin Tomo Radiation to Neck Nodes 2/21/2012 I CELEBRATE 10 YEARS 5/12/2012 BeganTaxotere/ Herceptin is my next miracle for new node progression 6/28/12 Stopped Taxotere due to pregression, Started Perjeta/Herceptin