When I was being given Herceptin weekly, it was administered over half an hour apart from the first dose.

I am now receiving it three weekly (triple dose) and they seem to think it is ok to give it to me over half an hour as well.

I'm a little worried about this but can't find anything in the literature about the three weekly doses.

For those of you on a three weekly regime; over how long do your IV Herceptin infusions run?

Typically, I am on weekly Herceptin, but occasionally I have gone on 3-week Herceptin, due to vacations, comflict schedules, etc.

Weekly Herceptin takes only 1/2 hour, whereas 3-week Herceptin lasts about 1.5 hours long.

Also, I do not take any other medications, like Decadron or Benadryl, immediately prior to Herceptin infusions.

Am I correct on the timeframe, ladies?

At Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston where I go, they give the every 3 week Herceptin over 1/2 hours also.

I am on Herceptin every 3 wks, it is given over 1/2 hours. Just had it yesterday


hugs
Sheila

Mine is usually between 1 and 1 1/2 hours every three weeks. Sally

When I was on 3 weekly, at first it was being given the same as my weekly dose, 1/2 hour....I started complaining of headaches, had an MRI which was clear, and then my nurses checked with the drug rep who said the 3 weekly infusion should be at LEAST an hour long, preferably 1 and 1/2 hours. They slowed my infusion to 1 and 1/2 hours, and my headaches became almost nonexistant. Later we were able to shorten it to an hour with no ill effect.
I guess some people do fine with the shorter infusion, but it seemed to be causing an allergic type of reaction for me...
Ask your nurses to contact Genentech and ask, or call them yourself!

<3,
Lolly

I receive heceptin every three weeks for 1/2 hour. I don't have any problems with that schedule. The first time I received it my infusion was longer and I did have a fever.
Best,
Barbara H.

I get 3weekly infusion for 1 1/2 hour

Linda's 3 week infusion is about 45 minutes but they also give her 2-15 minute flushes after. The whole process is about 1 1/2 hours.
Al

Hi Cara, I have been getting triple dose herceptin for 2 years and it is given in a half hour. i have never had any problems with this. Some nurses start it a little slowly and when they aren't looking I turn it up-I got things to do!
love, joy

When I was on triple dose herception it took 90 minutes, then a 10 minute flush. I usually fell asleep it took so long.

San

Cara:

My every three week infusion was given over one hour plus and then the nurses started infusing it over 30 minutes and I had bad allergy attacks both times the infusion was given over this short period. Now the nurses administer the infusion over an hour plus again and I take Zytrec the night before my morning infusion.

If I were you I would want the infusion to take at least an hour.

I hope all goes well for you. Barbara

Thank you so much for all your replies.

Sorry I didn't get back sooner but I have just been away celebrating our 22nd wedding anniversary.

Clearly the jury is still out on this one.

I think I might do as Lolly (?) suggests and call the drug company.
It's Genetech in the US but I think it is Roche here in Europe.

I will let you know if I come up with anything interesting.