Herceptin/Benadryl

[SusanN]

I had my 4th infusion of Herceptin this past Thurday.


The past infusions, as always, I'm given Benadryl capsules before Herceptin...which as more of a slower release...I would get dizzy nearly have way into my infusion, my nurse would tell me to relax and just assume I was having a "panic attack!"

This last infusion, after talking with my oncologist, he wanted to rule out Herceptin side effects/panic attacks...decided to have me wear a heart moniter. I was given Benadryl through my IV BEFORE the Herceptin this last time...
Within MINUTES, I became dizzy as before, my heart started to palpitate, I felt as if I couldn't catch my breath, my BP soared, my body was twitching...
THANK GOD I was on a heart moniter!!!
This went on nearly 25 minutes...a doctor came right away!!

I was gived Ativan, after awhile, I was able to calm down and receive the rest of my Herceptin, Docetaxol/Carbo.

My oncologist said, "No more Benadryl for her!!"

Thus, we are likely to believe I am allergic to BENADRYL!!

I did go home with a heart halter, for 48 hours...did have some heart palpitations, didn't experience many.

I will have an echo this Tues...will be very interested in the findings!

Thank you for any input anyone has had...