Herceptin given fast yesterday - is that ok?

[Caroline UK]

I had Herceptin #9 yesterday, and unfortunately the drip chamber completely filled so the drip rate couldn't be seen. Almost all of it whooshed through in 25 minutes, instead of the usual hour and a half, before we noticed. I was reassured, by the experienced and very capable chemo nurse, that while this wasn't ideal, I needn't have any concerns over it.

Has this happened to anyone, and does anyone know of possible problems with this? My EF was checked 2 months ago, and had come down from 65% to 55%. I'm having another echo in 4 days' time. I felt okay yesterday, vaguely unwell in the evening, and woke in the night with my heart rate going a little fast. But this has happened before, and I didn't feel unduly worried.
I suppose my main concern is that having a larger than usual concentration might hit cardiac muscle a bit hard.

Caroline

[Mary Jo]

Hi Caroline,

Other than the loading dose of herceptin, which I received over an hour and a half's time, I received all the rest of my years worth of herceptin in 30 minutes time. I also received it every 3 weeks.

Have a wonderful day,

Mary Jo

[jessica]

I don't think you have anything to worry about, Caroline.
I wish I could get my q3week Herceptin dose in 30mins!!
At the previous onc I was seeing, my Herceptin infusions were always only 30mins-whether it was a weekly dose or the q3week dose.
Since I've moved to a different doc & treatment center, their policy is to run the q3week dose in 90 mins. I try & try to get convince them to run the infusion rate a little faster, but no luck.
So now I just make sure to bring my laptop or a book & extra money for parking! I will say that when my infusions were faster, I did have more flu'ey side effects within the first 24 hours after the infusion. With the 90 min infusion, I don't.

However, I have been meaning to poll the ladies here & inquire how many folks on q3week Herceptin get their infuion in 30 mins vs. 90?

Take good care &
Keep the Faith!

[Hopeful]

Mine are always 90 minutes.


Hopeful

[Emelie]

Mine are always 90 minutes. Wish they were 30!

Emelie

[Sheila]

Other than the loading dose, mine have been 30 minutes every 3 weeks for almost 4 years. I have never had a problem, no premeds, not even with the loading dose.

[janet11]

Mine are always 90 minutes for the 3-week dose.

[Ann in Boston]

I also have received the Herceptin for 30 minutes for nearly 5 years and I have received it at various times once every 3 weeks, once every other week and 3 weeks on and 1 week off all depending on the accompaning chemo.

[Lee]

I get Herceptin every 3 weeks. I've had no problems with the faster infusion time. My onc was originally on the 90-minute regimen, but I asked him if we could condense that, so we went to 1 hr the following time, and after that it's been 30 mins. Love it!

[Andi]

My every three week infusions were always 30 minutes.

[Erin]

Just to be the odd-ball, mine are always 45 minutes....split the difference!

[Jean]

Mine are always 90 min. every 3 wks. Nearing the end of herceptin :(


Jean

[Karen Weixel]

Mine was always 90 minutes, every three weeks.

I don't think you have anything to worry about.

Karen

[Adriana Mangus]

Don't worry, if you were to have any problems they would have manifested right away. I'm not an expert on this area, but according to the many nurses I have seen over the last 14 years, you are going to be just fine!!! Take care.


I agree with the other sister, I wish mine were also short, like 30 mins. max...but well if I have to wait 90 minutes; I will wait 90 minutes. I always bring lots of books to read....Keep us posted, please....

[Caroline UK]

Hi everyone
I had no idea it was standard in some centres to give it that fast. I was amazed to hear that so many of you get your Herceptin in 30 minutes, and greatly reassured.
That's why I love this site so much!
Love and best wishes to all
Caroline