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Overview: Herceptin Hylecta is used for certain breast cancers. Common side effects include headache, nausea, diarrhea, and tiredness. If you can get pregnant, use effective birth control while you use this medicine and for seven months after your last dose. Tell your health care provider right away if you feel short of breath, have swelling of your ankles or leg, or gain more than five pounds in 24 hours.

Uses

What is Herceptin Hylecta used for?

Herceptin Hylecta (trastuzumab/hyaluronidase-oysk) is commonly used for certain types of breast cancer.

Herceptin Hylecta may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Herceptin Hylecta work (mechanism of action)?

Herceptin Hylecta stops the growth and development of cancer cells that express large amounts of a protein called HER2. Your cancer cells can be tested to see if Herceptin Hylecta is a possible medicine for you. Herceptin Hylecta also contains hyaluronidase. The hyaluronidase helps allow the medicine to reach the cells when it is given as an injection under the skin.

How is Herceptin Hylecta supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Herceptin Hylecta

Dosage forms and strengths

Herceptin Hylecta is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store Herceptin Hylecta?

Herceptin Hylecta is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Herceptin Hylecta?

The most common side effects of Herceptin Hylecta are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Headache
  • Nausea or diarrhea
  • Fever or chills
  • Infection or common cold symptoms
  • Rash
  • Tiredness
  • Muscle or joint pain
  • Flushing
  • Fluid retention (edema)
  • Cough

There may be other side effects of Herceptin Hylecta that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Herceptin Hylecta?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Herceptin Hylecta are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Herceptin Hylecta may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Heart Problems. Herceptin Hylecta can cause your heart to become larger, thick, hard, or stiff, which is also known as cardiomyopathy. This can make it harder for your heart to pump the way it normally would. Your health care provider may monitor your heart function while you are using Herceptin Hylecta. Keep all appointments, including appointments for testing. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of cardiomyopathy.

  • Shortness of breath
  • Coughing
  • Swelling in your ankles, feet, legs, or face 
  • Feeling of skipped heartbeats 
  • Gaining more than five pounds in 24 hours 
  • Dizziness

Lung Problems. Herceptin Hylecta can cause lung damage, fluid to build up in your lungs, and inflammation in your lungs, also called interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis. This can be serious or even life-threatening. These problems may be more serious if you already have lung problems, including lung cancer. Get emergency help if you have trouble breathing. You may also have a cough, fever, or chest pain.

Low Neutrophil Levels (Neutropenia). Herceptin Hylecta may cause or worsen low levels of a type of white blood cell (called neutrophils), which is known as neutropenia. Neutrophils help prevent infection. Having a low level of neutrophils may increase your risk of infection. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low neutrophil levels.

  • Fever, chills, or sweats
  • Tiredness
  • Sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath
  • Mouth or throat sores
  • Swollen lymph nodes

 

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Herceptin Hylecta?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Herceptin Hylecta.

  • Trastuzumab
  • Hyaluronidase
  • Herceptin Hylecta
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the Herceptin Hylecta.

What should I know about Herceptin Hylecta before using it?

Herceptin Hylecta is an under-the-skin injectable medicine that you will receive at a hospital or clinic. You may get medicines before Herceptin Hylecta to reduce your risk of having a reaction to your dose. See the Side Effects section for more details.

People who are 65 or older can be at greater risk of some side effects from Herceptin Hylecta. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Herceptin Hylecta?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Herceptin Hylecta is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Lung or breathing problems
  • Heart problems
  • Tumor invading the lungs 
  • Shortness of breath at rest
  • Low levels of white blood cells
  • Recent chemotherapy

Other Medicines and Supplements. Herceptin Hylecta may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Herceptin Hylecta, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Herceptin Hylecta can harm an unborn baby. You may need a test to confirm that you are not pregnant before using Herceptin Hylecta. Use effective birth control while using Herceptin Hylecta and for seven months after your last dose. Tell your health care provider right away if you are pregnant, think you are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Herceptin Hylecta passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Herceptin Hylecta while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Herceptin Hylecta?

For more information about Herceptin Hylecta, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.herceptinhylecta.com or call them at 888-835-2555.

Interactions

Does Herceptin Hylecta interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Herceptin Hylecta and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Herceptin Hylecta. The risk of tiredness may be increased if you drink alcohol while using Herceptin Hylecta.

Does Herceptin Hylecta interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using an anthracycline medicine, such as daunorubicin, doxorubicin, or epirubicin, before using Herceptin Hylecta.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Herceptin Hylecta. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Herceptin Hylecta?

If you or someone else has used too much Herceptin Hylecta, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Herceptin Hylecta?

Herceptin Hylecta is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving Herceptin Hylecta as scheduled.

If you miss an appointment to get your Herceptin Hylecta dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.