Canmab : Trastuzumab 440 mg Injection

What is Canmab 440 mg injection?

Canmab belongs to the general group of medicines called antineoplastics. Trastuzumab (Canmab) is a chemotherapy drug manufactured by Biocon Limited. It is recommended that Trastuzumab be administered under the supervision of a qualified physician experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

What is the use of Canmab Trastuzumab 440 mg Injection?

Given by injection, Trastuzumab 440 mg Injection is used for the treatment of metastatic (cancer that has spread to other parts of the body) breast cancer alone or in combination with other medicines. It is also used in combination with other medicines to treat certain types of stomach or esophagus cancer in certain patients.

How Does Trastuzumab Injection Work?

Some breast cancer cells have a higher than normal level (known as overexpression) of a protein called HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) on their surface. These HER2 receptors receive signals that stimulate the cancer cells to grow and multiply. But breast cancer cells with too many HER2 receptors can pick up too many growth signals and so start growing and multiplying too much and too fast.

Trastuzumab (Canmab) works by attaching itself to the HER2 receptors on the surface of breast cancer cells and blocking them from receiving growth signals. By blocking the signals, Herceptin can slow or stop the growth of the breast cancer. Canmab is an example of an immune targeted therapy. In addition to blocking HER2 receptors, Trastuzumab can also help fight breast cancer by alerting the immune system to destroy cancer cells onto which it is attached.

What are the side effects of Canmab 440 mg Injection?

When you take Canmab cancer medicine, it’s important to be aware of changes in your body and how you feel. Trastuzumab may cause some side effects. Most side effects from Trastuzumab are common, but a few can be serious. But many people don’t feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with Trastuzumab:

Common Side Effects of Canmab Injection : Diarrhea ; Redness or irritation at injection (IV) site ; Muscle/joint/back pain ; Sleep problems (insomnia), Altered sense of taste ; Tiredness ; Mild skin rash ; Cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sinus pain, sneezing, or sore throat etc.

Serious Side Effects of Canmab Injection : Increased coughing ; Swelling of the hands/ankles/feet ; Sudden unexplained weight gain ; Unusual tiredness ; Tingling or numbness (e.g., in the hands, feet, leg) ; Fast or pounding heartbeat ; Easy bruising or bleeding etc.

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of Trastuzumab cancer medicine. Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. To learn more about possible side effects of Canmab (Trastuzumab), read the drug label or package insert or talk to your health care provider.

What are the precautions & warnings of Canmab Injection?

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For Trastuzumab (Canmab), the following should be considered:

Missed Dose : Missing doses of Canmab 440 mg can reduce their usefulness and increase the possibility of developing drug resistance, which makes this drug lose their effectiveness. For best results, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of Trastuzumab medication as instructed. If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Overdose : A wide range of signs and symptoms can occur when a person overdoses, and everyone responds differently. If you’ve taken more than the recommended amount of Trastuzumab 440 mg or enough to have a harmful effect on your body’s functions, you have overdosed. In this case, you should take the medical help as soon as possible. Make sure that you have as much information as possible about the drug, the amount taken, how long ago it was taken, and if it was mixed with any other substance.

Allergies : Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to Trastuzumab or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes or preservatives. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pregnancy : Naturally, if you are pregnant and taking Canmab medicine, one of your greatest concerns will be for your unborn child. Because, this cancer medicine may be harmful for your baby during pregnancy. So, If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this medicine, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to a fetus. You must tell about your pregnancy to your doctor. Your pharmacist must understand your condition in order to monitor your health, and so your baby can be protected from infection soon after birth. You can also consult with your doctor about birth control methods that will work for you.

Breast-feeding : Breastfeeding is an essential physiologic process that provides nutrition to the infant and protects the child against infection and immunologic disorders. But, It is not known whether Canmab medicine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using Trastuzumab.

Medical History : The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of Trastuzumab. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially if you:

• are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement etc.
• have a history of diabetes, lupus, pancreatitis, lung or breathing problems, liver problems, stomach or bowel problems or kidney problems etc.
• have problems with your hormone glands (eg, thyroid, pituitary);
• have had a liver & heart transplant;
• have congestive heart failure;
• have circulation problems;
• have a history of HIV;
• have high cholesterol or triglycerides;
• have a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome & skin cancer (melanoma);
• have any type of active infection;
• have a history of hepatitis;
• have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine;
• have recently had surgery or plan to have surgery etc.

What are the storage instructions for Canmab Injection?

Trastuzumab 440 mg Canmab injection is handled and stored by a health care provider.

Prescription Required:

In order to legally purchase this medicine from DrugsSquare, you’ll require a prescription from your Registered Medical Practitioner.

Note:

The information provided here is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or pharmaceutical advice which should be sought from qualified medical and pharmaceutical advisers.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children and away from pets, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.