Herceptin - does the length of actual infusion change side effects?

[jessica]

Hey Erin~
Funny you should mention this...Way back when I was first dx'd, first time NED & on Herceptin solo, I was always told that whether you're on qweekly or q3week Herceptin, the infusion time was 30 mins.
With the "Fast," q3week schedule/30min infusion, I always experienced flu'ish symptoms w/in an hour after my infusion. Taking a couple Tylenol immediately after helped, BUT I'd still have a lot of major stiffness-all over, especially cervical & lumbar spine-for about 21/2 weeks.The symptoms would subside just in time for my next dose. I eventually went back to the weekly dose & managed much better.
I switched oncs & went back to the q3week dose. At this new facility their policy is a 90min infusion. I kicked & screamed to get them to run the infusion faster, but to no avail. HOWEVER, I have noticed w/the longer infusion time, I'm not nearly as achey & sore & stiff as I was with the fast infusion! I used to think that it was just a matter of my body getting used to the side effects.
When I went home (to Hawaii) for Thanksgiving, I got my Herceptin @a local hospital & they ran the q3week dose in 30 mins...and I was flu'ey, achey,stiff & sore again for the next 21/2.
So now I don't argue w/the Rn's to run my infusion faster. I just suck it up, bring an extra magazine & extra money for parking!
Curious to hear what everyone else's experiences are...

Keep the Faith~

[Erin]

Thanks for the info. I am also planning on talking to my onc and the chemo nurses for their antecdotal experiences. I'll post when I get more feedback from them.