Priunta 150 Injection

Description of Priunta 150 (Trastuzumab 150mg) injection  

Priunta 150 injection is a Trastuzumab formulation that is used in the treatment process of the selected HER2-positive breast and gastric malignancies. It is a group of specific biologic antineoplastic agents and operates its anti-cancerous action by specific selection to the human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) on tumour cells. The specific blockage of these pathway disturbs the abnormal cell signalling pathway that contribute to uncontrolled proliferation and spread and thereby inhibiting the disease progression and truncating the tumour burden of the affected individuals.

Indications of Priunta 150 (Trastuzumab 150mg) injection

Priunta 150 injection should be used mostly to treat HER2-positive breast cancer and the HER-2 positive metastatic gastric cancer. It is also a commonplace use as a single agent or as an adjunct to chemotherapy when targeted therapy is deemed more efficient than doing conventional therapy or when other therapeutic measures fail to yield satisfactory response.

Mechanism of action of Priunta 150 (Trastuzumab 150mg) injection   

Trastuzumab is a monoclonal antibody which acts on selective binding to the HER2 receptor in malignant cells. This communication prevents the activation of receptors and the downstream intracellular signalling pathways which control cell proliferation and survival. Consequently, the increase in tumour cells is prevented and destruction of cancer cells through immune means is increased resulting in better control of the disease.

How to consume of Priunta 150 (Trastuzumab 150mg) injection  

Trastuzumab should be utilized intravenously by a certified health-care provider under clinical or hospital care. The schedule and dose of the infusion are highly fixed by the oncologist taking care of the patient depending on the body weight, stage of the tumour as well as the tolerance of the patient. It should never be administered by self, the infusion must always be administered under medical supervision to watch out on the possible infusion reactions.

Side Effects of Priunta 150 (Trastuzumab 150mg) injection

1. Common side effects

• Fatigue or weakness
• Infusion Fever and Chills
• Mild diarrhea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache
• Injection-site discomfort

2. Serious side effects

• Cardiac dysfunction
• Infusion reactions
• Liver enzyme abnormalities
• Higher exposure to fatal illnesses

3. Rare side effects

• Dermatologic reactions which are severe
• Muscle spasm
• Severe stomach pain
• Stomach ulcer

Safety Advice for Priunta 150 (Trastuzumab 150mg) injection

Cardiac examination (eg. Echocardiography or left ventricular ejection fraction) and regular liver and blood tests need to be performed on patients treated with trastuzumab to identify its side effects in the first place.

Breastfeeding: Interaction with the agent during lactation is not advisable since the agent may be released into breast milk and be dangerous to the baby.

Pregnancy: Trastuzumab is not to be used in pregnant women because of the likelihood of harming a child, contraception should be used with effectiveness.

Alcohol: Intake of alcohol should be limited since it could increase the effect of hepatotoxicity.

Liver: Patients who have a history of hepatic disorders must use Trastuzumab cautiously and with strict medical care as the drug may increase the level of hepatic enzymes.

Lungs: New cough, dyspnea and chest discomfort should be reported as soon as possible.

Kidney: Care should be taken in patients with severe renal failure.

Driving: It is possible that patients feel dizzy or fatigued, in this case the patients should avoid driving     .

Interaction of Priunta 150 (Trastuzumab 150mg) injection

• Drug-Drug Interaction :

Aniodarone x Trastuzumab

Use alternative drug because the use of amiodarone will increase the effect of Trastuzumab by P-glycoprotein efflux transporter.

Riociguat x Alectini

Use alternative drug because the use of Trastuzumab will increase the effect of riociguat by decreasing it metabolism.

Dichlorphenamide x Trastuzumab

The combination should be used with caution as the interaction lowers the levels of serum potassium.

Siponimod x Trastuzumab

It is recommended that clinical vigilance be observed because the combination might increase the risk of infection.

• Drug-Food Interaction:

Food:

Thera is no reported food interaction that is significant however, a balanced diet should be maintained.

• Drug-Disease Interaction:

Lung toxicity:

The treatment plan must be used with a careful attitude in the patients with a history of interstitial pneumonitits because the drug may cause extreme pulmonary fibrosis. The drug should be stopped in case of the confirmed diagnosis of pneumonitis.

Congestive Heart Failure:

The medication must be used carefully in patients having a history of heart disease since consumption of this drug may lower the left ventricular ejection fraction.

Peripheral neuropathy:

The therapy should be administered with care, as it may cause the development of peripheral neuropathy.

Contraindication of Priunta 150 (Trastuzumab 150mg) injection

Careful admisiteration of therapy is advised in patients who have a history of cardiac disease, low ejection fraction, or pulmonary disease. There have been reported tumour lysis syndrome, cardiomyopathy and pulmonary toxicity

Dosage of Priunta 150 (Trastuzumab 150mg) injection

The dosage depends on the type of cancer, weight of the body and clinical response. Depending on tolerance and efficacy of therapy, the oncologist can modify treatment.

Storage of Priunta 150 (Trastuzumab 150mg) injection

Keep under refrigerated (2-8 °C) and light-sensitive conditions. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children.

Missed Dose of Priunta 150 (Trastuzumab 150mg) injection

In case of a missed infusion, call the healthcare provider so as to reschedule. Do not give two ties its dose.

Other General Information of Priunta 150 (Trastuzumab 150mg) injection   

The long-term treatment can cause fatigue or xerosis, it is necessary to stay hydrated, have a balanced diet, and have frequent follow-ups. Any abnormal symptoms are to be reported immediately by patients and personal guidance provided by the clinician in charge.

FAQs of Priunta 150 (Trastuzumab 150mg) injection   

1. Why is heart monitoring important during Trastuzumab therapy?

Due to the possibility of Trastuzumab to diminish cardiac contractility, frequent cardiac assessment helps in the prompt identification of alterations. .

2. Can Trastuzumab be used alone?

Yes, usually, it is used with chemotherapy in order to achieve better results.

3. Does it cause hair loss?

The loss of hair is mostly associated with concomitant chemotherapy and not with Trastuzumab.

4. Is infusion reaction common?

The initial infusion may also produce mild fever or chills but this can be expected to disappear with repeat doses.

5. Can I continue normal activities?
   Yes, expect in the case of grave fatigue or light headedness.

Fact Box of Priunta 150 (Trastuzumab 150mg) injection:

References

• Chabner BA, Barnes J, Neal J, et al. Targeted Therapies: Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors, Monoclonal Antibodies, and Cytokines. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. pp. 1737.
• Lake DF, Briggs AD, Akporiaye ET. Immunopharmacology. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. p. 978.
• Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 1390-91.
• South San Francisco, California: Genentech, Inc.; 1998 [revised Oct. 2010]. [Accessed 27 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/103792s5256lbl.pdf