trastuzumab, a miscellaneous antineoplastic. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is used in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer with the overexpression of HER2. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Factors that prohibit its use include known hypersensitivity to this drug or to Chinese hamster ovary cell protein. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Life-threatening effects are tachycardia, congestive heart failure, and leukopenia. Other adverse reactions include depression, insomnia, neuropathy, peripheral neuritis, acne, herpes simplex, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, anemia, arthralgia, bone pain, edema, peripheral edema, cough, dyspnea, pharyngitis, rhinitis, and sinusitis. Common side effects include dizziness, numbness, paresthesias, rash, and flulike syndrome (fever, headache, chills).
