how many months is herceptin good for

[MCS]

If you have been taken off herceptin because you received it as adjuvant therapy, how long does it stay in your system to protect you. I only had the standard 1 year treatment

I mean what risks do I run now? just sit around till something shows up and we take care of it?

I think I have asked this question before but is there such a thing as a maintenance dosage every once in a while. Till we have a vaccine, isn't this a recourse.

What has been your experience?

thank you

maria

[SusanC]

Hi Maria,
I believe that Herceptin stays in your system for 3 weeks. I spoke with someone at Genetech (maker of drug) and that is what they told me.
I hope this helps.
SusanC

[Becky]

The half life of Herceptin is 25 days so in 25 days half is gone (and so on and so on - meaning in another 25 days another half is gone so there is 25% left). I have read (and pretty much figured out) that it is there about 18 weeks or so after the last triple dose. You just have to keep getting it every 3 weeks while in treatment to keep the right amount of drug in your system.

[StephN]

Based on the half life of the drug as stated above by Becky, I felt comfortable going on a 3-month "Herceptin holiday" the beginning of this year. Knowing I would have some protection for the greater part of that time.

I am stage IV and it is recommended that we stay on a regular infusion schedule and continue Herceptin. I had just had a clean PET/CT and good numbers for my tumor markers as well as HER2 serum test. With this solid info and being NED for 5 years I opted for the short break. Will consider doing it again if all is well.

[MCS]

so if you no longer get it, what do we do? just wait?

if this is not anxiety, then what is?

this is insane.

what's the harm of taking it once a quarter or annually, like a flu shot?

maria

[MCS]

... I mean, if it wears out, then what is protecting our immune system after the one year treatment

maria