What Is Trazimera™ (trastuzumab-qyyp)?
Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: June 2023
Trazimera™ (trastuzumab-qyyp) is used to treat certain people with HER2+ breast cancer (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive). Trazimera is used after or along with chemotherapy.1,2
Breast cancer tumors are defined as HER2+ or HER2- cancers. HER2 refers to a specific protein that appears on the surface of cancer cells and can lead to faster growth and spread of the cancer. When cancer cells produce too many HER2 molecules, they are called HER2+ tumors. 1,3
Trazimera is a biosimilar to Herceptin® (trastuzumab). Approved biosimilar drugs have no clinically meaningful differences from their approved reference product1
What are the ingredients in Trazimera?
The active ingredient in Trazimera is trastuzumab-qyyp.
How does Trazimera work?
Trazimera is an engineered monoclonal antibody used to treat cancer. Our bodies naturally produce antibodies. These are immune factors that act against bacteria, viruses, and other foreign organisms that invade and threaten our health. Drug companies make a variety of antibodies that target the actions that cause certain diseases, including breast cancer.4
Trazimera is designed to bind to HER2 molecules that appear on the surface of HER2+ breast cancers. HER2+ breast cancers can grow and spread quickly. By blocking HER2, Trazimera helps slow or block the growth and spread of HER2+ breast cancers. Since Trazimera works only with tumors that are HER2+, your doctor will test your tumor for HER2 before prescribing this drug.4
What are the possible side effects?
The most common side effects of Trazimera, depending on the specific form of breast cancer being treated, include:4
- Fever
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Infections
- Increased cough
- Headache
- Rash
- Chills
- Heart problems
- Trouble sleeping
Trazimera also has a boxed warning, the strictest warning from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is because it may cause severe side effects including:4
- Heart problems, including congestive heart failure
- Lung damage
- Infusion-related reactions
- Birth defects and death in unborn babies
If you notice any new or worsening side effects, contact your doctor right away.
These are not all the possible side effects of Trazimera. Talk to your doctor about what to expect or if you experience any changes that concern you during treatment with Trazimera.
Other things to know
Your doctor will monitor your heart function before and during your treatment with Trazimera.4
Before taking Trazimera, tell your doctor if you:4
- Have heart problems
- Have lung or breathing problems
- Are being treated for an infection
- Have any allergies, including medication allergies
Trazimera can harm an unborn baby. If you can become pregnant, you should use birth control during treatment and for some time after the last dose of Trazimera. You should also not breastfeed during treatment with Trazimera and for some time after the last dose. Talk to your doctor about your options for birth control and breastfeeding while taking Trazimera.4
Before beginning treatment for breast cancer, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs.
For more information, read the full prescribing information of Trazimera.
