Can Herceptin cause high blood pressure?

SandyBB · 11-15-2005, 10:55 AM

I did a search on the site, and didn't come up with anything directly - and I read the herceptin.com web site and saw nothing -
I have had 4 infusions of herceptin (1.9 years after finishing treatment for stage 2B). My blood pressure at my last infusion on Friday was really high and I just had it checked at work and it is still really high - especially for me since I have always run low... I have a call into my doctor, but wanted to ask -

Do any of you know if herceptin can cause hypertension?

Sheila · 11-15-2005, 05:49 PM

Sandy

It could cause high blood pressure, and also if it affects the heart it could cause the B/P to rise....also fluid retention...maybe a mild diuretic will bring it back down.....if not, a muga scan may be in order. I do know that mine is monitored every treatment. How high is it running above normal? Sounds like probably an easy fix, but one to take action on. You did the right thing by calling the Dr. If you are monitoring it on a B/P machine like at the drug store or Walmart...those aren't always the most accurate things...they get bumped etc. way too much to maintain true accuracy for a B/P that might need close monitoring. Let us know what you find out.

astrid · 10-28-2006, 02:14 PM

My blood pressure is also high. Before BC, my blood pressure was 110 over 70 at most. My last visit to the doc, my blood pressure was 150 over 75. My doctor said that it was not due to the herceptin. I am having a muga test on November 7. I have been on Herceptin since june of 2006. So almost 5 months.

Sandy H · 10-28-2006, 05:06 PM

My B/P ran high while on Herceptin. I never took anything for it. I also retained lots of fluid but not in my hands or feet only in the waist area. I have lost nearly 15 pounds since being off Herceptin for 2 1/2 months. I feel so much better!! My mugas always came out good. I will watch and see if it goes down. I have not been watching it but I will. hugs, Sandy

Bev · 10-28-2006, 07:59 PM

Mine has crept up 10 points top and bottom scores while doing H. I guess if you are over 140, it's time to talk to a cardiologist and get a script to bring it down. Best of luck. BB

tricia keegan · 10-29-2006, 02:30 AM

My onc has just put me on meds for high blood pressure too and I'm almost finished my year of herceptin but never had a problem in the past as far as I know.
I don't know if it's the herceptin that caused it though,it was up all year during chemo and they thought it was just stress but had me wear a monitor for 24 hours at home to see and it did remain high even while sleeping.
Tricia

astrid · 11-08-2006, 01:59 PM

Well, I had my second MUGA yesterday and my left ventricle ejection is 65%. That is actually an improvement over my last MUGA in December of 2005. My blood pressure was also lower than my last Herceptin treatment. I was worried because it was 150 over 75 3 weeks ago but yesterday it was 132 over 72.