Trade name

Kadcyla^®

What Kadcyla^® is and what it is used for?

• Kadcyla^® is made up of two drugs that are combined together:
• Trastuzumab is a monoclonal antibody which targets the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) on cells. HER2 is found in large amounts on the surface of breast cancer cells, resulting in tumors growing more quickly. By attaching to the HER2 receptor, trastuzumab blocks HER2 from receiving growth signals, preventing further cancer growth and slowing cancer progression.
• Emtansine is an anti-cancer drug that stops cancer cells from separating into two new cells, eventually causing cell death.

Kadcyla^® is designed to target and deliver the emtansine directly to HER2-overexpressing cancer cells. In this way, emtansine is less toxic to healthy cells and more effective in treating cancers.

• Kadcyla^® is only used in patients whose tumor has tested positive to HER2 and have previously received HER2 targeted therapies. It is used as a single agent to treat breast cancer.

How Kadcyla^® is given?

• Kadcyla^® is given as an infusion into a vein over 90 minutes. The time of the infusion may be shortened to 30 minutes depending on how well you tolerate this drug after the first infusion.

What should I know while receiving Kadcyla^®?

• An allergic reaction may happen during or shortly after the infusion, causing fever and chills, breathing difficulties, swelling of throat or face, or hives. Tell your nurse right away if you feel unwell during an infusion.
• Do not use Kadcyla^® when you are pregnant. Use effective birth control during treatment and for 7 months after treatment ends.
• Do not breastfeed and for 7 months after the last dose.
• Do not receive any kind of vaccination without doctor's approval.
• You will be checked regularly by your doctor to make sure you have enough blood cells and have adequate organ functions to receive Kadcyla^®. The timing of your treatment may be changed based on the test results or other side effects.
• The existing health problems may affect the use of Kadcyla^®. You should let your doctor know if you have allergic to trastuzumab or if you have any other medical problems, especially if you have liver, heart, lung or breathing problems.
• Some of drugs may affect how Kadcyla^® works. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Common side effects

• Low platelet count

You may have a higher risk of bleeding. Let your doctor know if you find red or purple dots on the skin, bleeding from the nose or gums, or any bruising or bleeding that you cannot explain.

• Nausea or vomiting

Medicines may be given before the treatment to prevent it happening. Eating and drinking often in small amounts may reduce the discomfort.

• Constipation

Drinking more water, eating more fruits and vegetables, and getting more exercise can help you ease constipation. If you have no bowel movement for 2-3 days or have severe abdominal pain, you should seek medical help as soon as possible.

• Changes in liver function

This is usually mild and may return to normal after treatment has ended. Seek medical help right away if you have yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark or brown urine, or pain in abdomen, as these can be signs of liver toxicity.

• Muscle or joint pain

Talk to the doctor if the pain is bothering you, they can give you medicine to help ease pain.

• Fatigue

Try to pace yourself and rest as much as possible. Seek medical advice if fatigue does not go away when you rest and sleep.

• Headache

Tell your doctor if this happens. Be sure to ask your doctor before taking any pain relievers.

• Numbness or tingling in hands or feet

The conditions normally get better slowly once the treatment is over. Protect areas where sensation is decreased and let your doctor know any unusual feeling you have.

Less common side effects

• Mouth sores

Your doctor can give you medicines that help you ease the discomfort. Good mouth care will help prevent mouth sores.

• Cough or trouble breathing

You may have sore throat or stuffy nose without any signs of infection. Talk to your doctor if this side effect bothers you.

• Difficulty sleeping

Talk to your doctor if this bothers you. Treatments usually include lifestyle changes, medications, or a combination of both.

• Bleeding risk

Kadcyla^® can increase the risk of bleeding, which can be life-threatening. Tell your doctor at once if you have unexplained nosebleed, coughing up blood, throwing up blood, or have bloody or tarry bowel.

• Changes in heart function

This drug may affect heart function, including without symptoms, such as reduced heart function, and with symptoms, such as congestive heart failure. Seek medical help at once if you have swelling in the legs, trouble breathing, or irregular heartbeat.

More Information

• Drinking at least 6 to 8 glasses of water every day can help make your recovery a smoother process.
• Alcohol and cigarettes may interfere with certain medicines or worsen side effects from chemotherapy treatment. It is wise to avoid alcohol and cigarettes during cancer treatment. If you have any problem about drinking alcohol and smoking, you should check with your doctor.