Why is this medication ?
Fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki injection is to treat a certain type of breast cancer that cannot be removed by surgery or that has spread to other parts of the body after at least two other breast cancer treatments. It is also used to treat certain types of gastric cancer (cancer of the stomach) in adults that has spread to nearby tissues or to other parts of the body after receiving another treatment. Fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki is in a class of medications, the antibody-drug conjugates. And so, it works by killing cancer cells.
How should this medicine be used?
Fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki comes as a powder to be mixed with liquid and injected intravenously (into a vein) over 30 or 90 minutes by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or medical facility. It is usually injected once every 3 weeks for as long as your doctor recommends that you receive treatment.
Your doctor may also delay or stop your treatment with fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki injection, or treat you with additional medications, depending on your response to the medication and any side effects that you experience. Talk to your doctor about how you are feeling during your treatment.
Other uses for this medicine
This medication can also be for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before receiving fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki injection,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki, medications made from Chinese hamster ovary cell protein, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki injection. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients.
- Also tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any of the conditions mentioned in the IMPORTANT WARNING section. For instance, fever or any other signs of an infection, or if you have or have ever had heart failure or heart disease.
- tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You should not breast-feed while you are receiving fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki injection and for 7 months after your final dose.
- You should also know that this medication may decrease fertility in men. Hence, talk to your doctor about the risks of receiving fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki injection.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- nausea
- vomiting
- constipation
- diarrhea
- sores on the lips, mouth, or throat
- stomach pain
- heartburn
- loss of appetite
- hair loss
- nose bleeding
- headache
- dizziness
- tiredness
- dry eye(s)
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- pale skin or shortness of breath
- new or worsening
- shortness of breath, cough, tiredness, swelling of ankles or legs, irregular heart beat, weight gain, dizziness, or fainting
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- fever, chills, cough, or other signs of infection
- rash
Fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.
What other information should I know?
Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. Hence, you should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
