Can this be from Herceptin?

makmak

Can this be from Herceptin?

makmak

Three weeks ago as my infustion was ending I started coughing.. like I couldn't catch my breath. It went away by the next day.  Thought I just choked on something I was eating and talking at the same time. Yesterday as I was done I started a slight cough with each breath. I still have it, but only when I breathe really deep.  It feels like a lump in my chest, between my boobs.  I was reading shortness of breath can be a side-effect but usually this all happens on the first infustion. I'm at 11 months and will be on this for LIFE! Has anyone else had this? If so, what was done?  Thanks for any input!!

lago

You call your onc about this. Many of the heart related issues with Herceptin are seen in folks that have been on it for a long time (more than a year) too. The cough could be related to fluid build up (congestive heart failure) or something else.

I wouldn't panic but I wouldn't ignore this either. Even if it is Herceptin related I believe they can put you on Tykerb instead.

coonie

Hi Makmak---There were several times I had the same thing happen DURING infusion. And for several months I felt the shortness of breath. It seemed as soon as the infusion started, my throat started tickling and I'd start coughing. I went through water like crazy, then of course, I had to go to the bathroom more...uugghhh....

You for sure need to mention it to your doctor though. Have you had any problems with runny nose? That was another SE I had with Herceptin.

Good luck.........and (((gentle hugs)))

TammyLou

There's gotta' be a reason why many facilities INSIST on giving us a boatload of benedryl with our herceptin infusions.

For my money, yes.  I think it is entirely possible for SOB to be related to herceptin infusion.

tl 

amlg1

I would definitly call onco.I had an allergic reaction,during an infusion(the 4th from the last one).I started getting bad itching in my throat and ears.so from then on I was given Benedryl and a steroid,the last few infusions.I was fine.

Denny123

Definitely talk to your onc!

 I have had Herceptin for almost 7 years and never had a problem like that.

 Denise

BonoboGirrl

According to this site --  http://doublecheckmd.com/EffectsDetail.do?dname=Herceptin&sid=11893&eid=2078 -- a cough occurs in about 26% of people. I too get this cough (just finished Herceptin 3/4/11). Also, some HER2+ gals have noted a cough when given the infusion in 30-45 minutes. They suggest having it drip over a period of an hour or more. For them, a slower drip made all the difference. 

makmak

Thanks AnneMarie.. I actually had my infustion time increased to 45 min and have not had the cough any longer.. but if it happens again, I will change it to an Hour!!  good to know I'm not alone!!  I did have a scan since I posted this and it was clean so at least I know it's not my lungs..

Mountains1day

I started coughing (like I couldn't catch my breath) into 1-2 minutes of infusion of Herceptin #3.  #1 and #2 were uneventful, but for some reason #3 was different.  Onc. stopped it immediately, administered Benedryl and continued on with same infusion time, and I was fine.  I was worried about the reminder of the Herceptin treatments (nurse said we'd have to stop completely if I started coughing again) but I didn't and finished treatment.

BonoboGirrl

MakMak -- congrats on the clear scan! A relief, to be sure.