StephN
12-24-2006, 02:27 PM
Hi Everyone -
I tried to post this last weekend from my sis's house when we had the power outage and it did not "take." So, will do it again, since there has been some discussion (lately initiated by kate) about aches and pains associated with the Herceptin treatments. I was curious so inquired at my cancer center, which is connected to a major university hospital.
Seems that there is only the smallest amount of the benzyl alcohol used, and I have asked whether they can cut it out altogether, or if it is actually part of the Bacteriostatic water. Will post that info when I get it.
WISHING YOU ALL A WARM AND BRIGHT HOLIDAY TIME.
(My Dad noted this morning that my joyous mood must be because I have overcome so much with my brain and head this year!) I know some others who have been having the same Stage IV fight will feel the same way ... just glad to be here and able to make a holiday breakfast for their loved ones! http://www.her2support.org/vbulletin/images/icons/icon7.gif
Hi Stephanie,
Good question. Trastuzumab (herceptin) is delivered to the pharmacy in powdered form. This powder is then "reconstituted" (mixed with water to dissolve it) with a kind of water called bacteriostatic water. Bacteriostatic water is sterile and contains a very small amount of benzyl alcohol as a preservative. The amount of bacteriostatic water used to dissolve the herceptin is 20mL (one tablespoon + 1 teaspoonful) and the benzyl alcohol in this water is only 1.1% of the total volume. The dissolved herceptin is then mixed into an larger bag of saline which is then infused through your port or vein.
I haven't heard of this cramping issue with Herceptin and I honestly don't think it would be related to the benzyl alcohol. I'm wondering have you started any other therapies lately? Happy to help in any way. Julie
__________________________________________________ __
Julie Garrison, Pharm.D.
Breast Cancer Clinical Research Manager
Seattle Cancer Care Alliance
Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Washington
I tried to post this last weekend from my sis's house when we had the power outage and it did not "take." So, will do it again, since there has been some discussion (lately initiated by kate) about aches and pains associated with the Herceptin treatments. I was curious so inquired at my cancer center, which is connected to a major university hospital.
Seems that there is only the smallest amount of the benzyl alcohol used, and I have asked whether they can cut it out altogether, or if it is actually part of the Bacteriostatic water. Will post that info when I get it.
WISHING YOU ALL A WARM AND BRIGHT HOLIDAY TIME.
(My Dad noted this morning that my joyous mood must be because I have overcome so much with my brain and head this year!) I know some others who have been having the same Stage IV fight will feel the same way ... just glad to be here and able to make a holiday breakfast for their loved ones! http://www.her2support.org/vbulletin/images/icons/icon7.gif
Hi Stephanie,
Good question. Trastuzumab (herceptin) is delivered to the pharmacy in powdered form. This powder is then "reconstituted" (mixed with water to dissolve it) with a kind of water called bacteriostatic water. Bacteriostatic water is sterile and contains a very small amount of benzyl alcohol as a preservative. The amount of bacteriostatic water used to dissolve the herceptin is 20mL (one tablespoon + 1 teaspoonful) and the benzyl alcohol in this water is only 1.1% of the total volume. The dissolved herceptin is then mixed into an larger bag of saline which is then infused through your port or vein.
I haven't heard of this cramping issue with Herceptin and I honestly don't think it would be related to the benzyl alcohol. I'm wondering have you started any other therapies lately? Happy to help in any way. Julie
__________________________________________________ __
Julie Garrison, Pharm.D.
Breast Cancer Clinical Research Manager
Seattle Cancer Care Alliance
Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Washington