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Do Herceptin (trastuzumab) injections hurt?

Medically reviewed by Melisa Puckey, BPharm. Last updated on Aug 9, 2024.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Herceptin (trastuzumab) is given as an intravenous infusion (IV drip), this requires a needle to be put into your vein which may hurt. Some patients experience an infusion reaction that has pain as one of the symptoms, but also has other symptoms of fever, chills, sometimes nausea, vomiting, pain, headache, dizziness, dyspnea, hypotension, rash, and weakness. If you have any of these symptoms it is important to inform the health care provider immediately.

The Herceptin Hylecta (trastuzumab and hyaluronidase-oysk) injection is given as a subcutaneous injection, which is an injection given under the skin. It may hurt when the health care profession pushes the needle into the skin and then you may feel discomfort as the Herceptin injected over a 2 to 5 minutes time period.

Does Herceptin cause pain as a side effect?

All medicines have side effects and one of the side effects of Herceptin is pain. From data collected over 4 studies showed pain was a side effect for 47% of patients using Herceptin as a single treatment agent.

For more information on Herceptin side effects click here: Herceptin side effects

References

Herceptin Medication Information: https://www.drugs.com/pro/herceptin.html
Herceptin Hylecta Medication Information: https://www.drugs.com/pro/herceptin-hylecta.html

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