Infusion times?
 

Went for my herceptin "cocktail" yesterday. They said a bunch of words I don't remember (I was looking forward to a nap)...but something about some study ?...the docs all reviewed it and agreed that 30 minute infusion times versus 1.5 hours is appropriate.

Anyone else hear, experience this that can explain?

Re: Infusion times?
 

All of the infusion centers I use infuse a three week dose of Herceptin over 30 minutes. For the longest time I insisted on having it over 1.5 hrs----part of my reasoning was superstition I guess. But I asked Dr. Slamon's office and was told only the first infusion needs to be over 1.5 hrs. From then on 30 minutes is fine. In reality, it always takes them longer than 30 minutes.

Re: Infusion times?
 

Patricia, after the initial loading dose, when I went for the regular every 3 week infusion, they started me at 30 minutes. However, after the first one, I felt a bit "shaky" afterwards, and due to the advice of members of this website, I was advised to ask for a 60 minute infusion. I did ask for a 60 minute infusion, and all the remaining ones were fine.

all the best
caya

Re: Infusion times?
 

My first infusion was done in 90 minutes and then I went to weekly and they did them in 30 minutes, I asked to have it done slower and then went to an hour and I did feel much better after that, I also had them run saline after the infusion was done. I seemed to have less problems when it was done over an hour.

Re: Infusion times?
 

Hi
Here in England it's usually given over half an hour. I try to have mine slower (45-60 MINS) as i found I had less joint pains afterwards. I mentioned this to my onc and he was fine about it. His reasoning was that it took longer to metabolise if given slower which might explain less side effects.
Ellie

Re: Infusion times?
 

Hmmm...I'm almost done and this is the first they've said anything about lesser times. Maybe my facility is not so cutting edge, but tried and true, which might not be a bad thing?

thanks everyone.

Re: Infusion times?
 

I have always had it for 30 minutes. The loading dose was longer. I have not had side effects with Herceptin.
Barbara H.

Re: Infusion times?
 

I always had the longer dose Patricia, but just as i finished my year the nurse told me they were bringing in the thirty minute infusion but did'nt have it myself.

Re: Infusion times?
 

Similar to the experience of the other commenters, I get my weekly infusion of Herceptin over a 30 minute interval. That rate works well for me with no ill effects afterward. I get 173 mg of H. each time. In fact, I go in the morning for number 44. Eight to go.
bird

Re: Infusion times?
 

Patrice,

My Herceptin infusion is 30 minutes.

Joan