T-DM1 (Trastuzumab emtansine)

Drug Class:	Commonly Known As:	Category:
Anti-HER2 Antibody Drug Conjugate	Kadcyla®	Cancer-related

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