Trastuzumab adverse effects

The most serious toxicity associated with the use of trastuzumab is congestive heart failure. The toxicity is worsened if given in combination with anthracycline. Other adverse effects include infusion-related fever and chills, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and back pain, but these effects are well tolerated. Cautious use of the drug is recommended in patients who are hypersensitive to the Chinese hamster ovary cell components of the proteins or to benzyl alcohol (in which case sterile water can be used in place of the bacteriostatic solution provided for preparation of the injection).