Goodbye Herceptin?
 

Hi Everybody,
I have just found out that Australia's pharmaceutical benefits scheme will no longer be funding Roche's Herceptin and my treatment will continue with a "bio-similar" called Herzuma. Does anybody more technically minded than I know about this drug? I assume it should give me the same benefits and side effects, but need a little reassurance after nearly 10 years on Vitamin H.
Best wishes..... Pam

Re: Goodbye Herceptin?
 

Pam

According to the literature it should work the same way. The reason for the change is cost. Biosimilars are cheaper than brand drugs but fo rall intents and purposes the work the same way.

Paul
PS Herceptin has 5 different biosimilar products

Re: Goodbye Herceptin?
 

Thanks Paul - I kind of knew it was OK, but any change causes trepidation..... Pam

Re: Goodbye Herceptin?
 

Oh geez, Pam!

I haven’t heard about this yet. Any changes like that make me nervous too. I will ask about it next week when I have my next H infusion. My Onc wants me to stop Herceptin as it’s been nearly five years since my last progression (bone Mets). I’m feeling very uncomfortable about that. What if I have progression soon after stopping, I would be kicking myself, and everything around me! Lol

Sending love (and happiness after getting out of lockdown, yeeeha)

Dawn x

Re: Goodbye Herceptin?
 

Hi Dawn!
I don't think we need worry - but you would definitely be having the bio-similar now. Like you, I have been stable for ages. My oncologist says my cancer is "indolent". She hasn't suggested I stop though, and I would probably worry myself sick .....
Glad to hear you are going well and of course, hope you are enjoying our new "freedoms".
Best wishes..... Pam

Re: Goodbye Herceptin?
 

My insurance (here in the US) only covers bio-similars as well.

Re: Goodbye Herceptin?
 

Donna,
Seems it shouldn't matter, though we will all be grateful for the original Herceptin! Hope you are going well........ Pam