Heart Issues with Long Term Herceptin Use

[Bunty]

That's interesting Jackie. I just found that study online (HannaH), and four people died - three subcut, and one IV. However, the study interpretation was summarised as follows:

Interpretation
Subcutaneous trastuzumab, administered over about 5 min, has a pharmacokinetic profile and efficacy non-inferior to standard intravenous administration, with a similar safety profile to intravenous trastuzumab, and therefore offers a valid treatment alternative.

Having said that, I had a 'feeling' about the subcut. In all the years of having the IV I never had any side-effects, however, after the subcut, I had flu like symptoms for about 36 hours. So I have already informed my onc that I wish to go back on IV Herceptin, hopefully when my EF improves! And he agreed no problem at all. My team at the Cancer Centre have already informed Roche (?) here in Sydney of this happening to me on subcut, (but of course, it may not have had an impact).

Cheers Marie

[kk1]

Bunty;

I have been on Herceptin for 13 years without a problem until recently --- my last echo a few weeks ago suggested that I dropped LVEF about 10 points. I am normally in the mid 60% range.

They are not sure why....as you know is not typical to see a drop after so many years. Usually if you are going to have a problem it shows in the first few months.

I am still getting my IV Herceptin for now, I am still in the low 50%, and have a follow up echo next week....hopefully it will either be stable or returned to the high. We will see.

[Vinafera]

August 2015 I was diagnosed with MBC, mets to the bones, 5 dermoid benign ovarian cysts, and high blood pressure. My baseline echo & EKG were perfect. After being on Herceptin for 5 months (I am still on it every 2 weeks), my EF dropped and BP went up. Not being able to take Lisinopril because it gives me a nasty cough Cardiologist put me on Valsartan and Metoprolol. I go for an echo every 6 months, the ticker is back to normal, my dizziness and headaches are gone.