T-DM1 (Trastuzumab emtansine)
- What is it for
T-DM1 is a drug that is used to treat breast cancer. It consists of an antibody (trastuzumab) and a chemotherapy drug called DM1 (also known as emtansine) linked together. The antibody helps deliver DM1 more specifically to cancer cells, to fight against them.
T-DM1 (Trastuzumab emtansine)
- Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications
What side effects can
T-DM1 (Trastuzumab emtansine)
cause?
During infusion
- Development of itch, rashes, fever, chills and rigors, difficulty breathing
- Redness pain or swelling at the injection site
Please alert your nurse if you experience any of the above symptoms during the infusion.
Possible side effects
- Fatigue or muscle ache
- Numbness and tingling in your feet or hands
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Decrease in the number of blood cells
This may put you at a higher risk of infections, bleeding or bruising.
Please seek medical attention if any of the following occurs:
- Signs of liver toxicity e.g. severe abdominal pain, tea-coloured urine, yellowing of the skin or whites of eyes
- Unusual bleeding, bruising or black tarry stools
- Fever of 38°C or higher
- Shortness of breath, worsening or persistent dry cough
- Abnormal chest pain, irregular heartbeat or persistent swelling of lower legs
