Dianne: Maybe your onc should actually read the full prescribing information that comes packaged with the Herceptin. As you will note, rhinitis is an adverse reaction and it is contributing to the watery eyes. I have a suggestion:
If you are not being premedicated with Benadryl prior to infusion, try that since it is an antihistamine. Then maybe take the Benadryl for a day or so after.
Here's the supporting info for you and your onc and I hope this helps solve your mystery and you find some relief.
HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION
These highlights do not include all the information needed to use Herceptin safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for Herceptin.
HERCEPTIN® (trastuzumab) Intravenous Infusion
Table 3 Adverse Reactions for Study 3, All Gradesa:
MedDRA (v. 7.1) Adverse Event Preferred Term
1 Year Herceptin (n= 1678)
Observation (n=1708)
Cardiac
Hypertension
64 (4%)
35 (2%)
Dizziness
60 (4%)
29 (2%)
Ejection Fraction Decreased
58 (3.5%)
11 (0.6%)
Palpitations
48 (3%)
12 (0.7%)
Cardiac Arrhythmiasb
40 (3%)
17 (1%)
Cardiac Failure Congestive
30 (2%)
5 (0.3%)
Cardiac Failure
9 (0.5%)
4 (0.2%)
Cardiac Disorder
5 (0.3%)
0 (0%)
Ventricular Dysfunction
4 (0.2%)
0 (0%)
Respiratory Thoracic Mediastinal Disorders
Nasopharyngitis
135 (8%)
43 (3%)
Cough
81 (5%)
34 (2%)
Influenza
70 (4%)
9 (0.5%)
Dyspnea
57 (3%)
26 (2%)
URI
46 (3%)
20 (1%)
Rhinitis
36 (2%)
6 (0.4%)
Pharyngolaryngeal Pain
32 (2%)
8 (0.5%)
Sinusitis
26 (2%)
5 (0.3%)
Allergic rhinitis involves inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose, eyes, eustachian tubes, middle ear, sinuses, and pharynx. The mediators that are immediately released include histamine, tryptase, chymase, kinins, and heparin.7,8 The mast cells quickly synthesize other mediators, including leukotrienes and prostaglandin D2.9,10,11 These mediators, via various interactions, ultimately lead to the symptoms of rhinorrhea (ie, nasal congestion, sneezing, itching, redness, tearing, swelling, ear pressure, postnasal drip). Mucous glands are stimulated, leading to increased secretions