Person's weight amounts to herceptin dose?

[Chelee]

How do they decide how much herceptin to give to a person? I keep meaning to ask my oncologist but forget. Do they go by your weight like they do with most meds? Or the same amount for everyone?

[karenann]

I think weight.

Karen

[lisahammo]

Chelee

Yes, they do go by weight. I have lost quite a bit of weight, and my dosage needed to be adjusted.

Take care.

Love Lisa

[Chelee]

Thank you Karen & Lisa. Much appreciated. I don't know WHY every time I get down to my doctor or infusion nurse I CAN'T remember to ask that one simple question. I always mean too and forget.

And the reason I wanted to know is the SAME reason that Lisa mentioned. I have lost 10 pounds just since last week alone. That is NOT counting my over all weight loss since I first started chemo.

I was getting concerned I might be getting to high a dose now that I have lost so much?

Thanks to both of you that replied. I better make sure I mention to my oncologist next week to check my weight loss and change dosage if necessary.

[Becky]

The standard dose for weekly Herceptin is 2mg/kg of body weight. For the every 3 week dose is 6mg/kg of body weight.


Best regards

Becky

[cherylynnie]

Yep Becky is exactly right I was just in today and that is exactly what the onc. nurse told me.

[Chelee]

You guys are right on the money. :) I had a five hours Iron infusion yesterday so I finally remembered to ask my infusion nurse about my weight change and dosage. She went and checked for me and said the pharmacy takes note of it every time a patient is weighed and its sent to them and they go from there. So I am relieved now. They keep a close eye on it. :)
Thanks to all of you. :)