Herceptin every 3 weeks/infusion time

04-10-2006, 06:49 PM

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.

karenann · 04-10-2006, 07:01 PM

Hi,

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

Karen

Bev · 04-10-2006, 07:22 PM

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

Lisa · 04-10-2006, 07:32 PM

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

Yorkiegirl · 04-10-2006, 07:35 PM

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

Vicki

04-10-2006, 08:01 PM

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

04-10-2006, 08:02 PM

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

Sandy H · 04-10-2006, 08:05 PM

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

Lolly · 04-10-2006, 09:03 PM

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

<3 Lolly

Chelee · 04-10-2006, 11:48 PM

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

Maggie · 04-11-2006, 02:58 AM

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

Sheila · 04-11-2006, 04:21 AM

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.

Becky · 04-11-2006, 06:56 AM

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

Sherryg683 · 04-11-2006, 07:35 AM

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

Andi · 04-11-2006, 09:13 AM

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

nancymarie · 04-11-2006, 11:17 AM

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

-Nancy

04-11-2006, 11:38 AM

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.

suzan w · 04-11-2006, 01:47 PM

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.

Barbara H. · 04-11-2006, 02:11 PM

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

tricia keegan · 04-11-2006, 02:34 PM

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.