Interactions of Enhertu: Health issues, coexisting medications, and additional factors
Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan), a groundbreaking drug, is primarily used to treat certain types of breast cancer, particularly HER2-positive or HER2-low-expressing breast cancers, and is being investigated for other cancers such as EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Interactions with Diseases and Medical Conditions
Enhertu targets HER2-expressing cancer cells, demonstrating efficacy in patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive breast cancer across HER2-negative groups, improving treatment duration compared to some alternatives. However, it carries significant risks for certain adverse events, particularly in patients with pre-existing conditions.
One such risk is the development of severe and potentially life-threatening lung problems, including interstitial lung disease (ILD), which can worsen breathing and require corticosteroid treatment. This is a critical safety concern, especially for patients with pre-existing lung disease.
Enhertu is also associated with low white blood cell counts, increasing the risk of infections, and can affect cardiac function, necessitating heart function monitoring before and during treatment.
In EGFR-mutated NSCLC, although the main Enhertu compound is trastuzumab deruxtecan, a similar drug dato-DXd shows toxicities including stomatitis and ILD, with ongoing trials evaluating combinations with osimertinib.
Elevations of liver enzymes have been observed, suggesting potential liver toxicity.
Other Relevant Considerations
The use of Enhertu requires careful monitoring of lung, heart, and blood cell counts during treatment. Serious infusion-related reactions and common adverse effects like nausea, fatigue, decreased appetite, and infections are also associated with Enhertu.
Certain medical conditions and other factors may increase the risk of interactions with Enhertu. For instance, vaccines may not work as well to protect you from infection if your immune system is weakened.
Important Precautions
Enhertu isn't safe to receive while pregnant, and it's not known whether it's safe to receive while breastfeeding. If you've had an allergic reaction to Enhertu or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Enhertu.
Enhertu doesn't come with paperwork, but you can ask your pharmacist to print a copy. To help prevent interactions with Enhertu, you should let your doctor and pharmacist know if you drink alcohol or use cannabis, tell them about any other medications you take, and create a medication list.
Cannabis and cannabis products, such as cannabidiol (CBD), have not been specifically reported to interact with Enhertu. However, it's always best to inform your healthcare provider about any substances you're using.
It's crucial to read the Enhertu label and other information that may come with the drug. Other resources to learn more about Enhertu include an overview of Enhertu, side effects information, dosage information, cost information, and facts about your condition.
In conclusion, while Enhertu offers a promising treatment option for certain cancers, it's essential to be aware of its potential risks and interactions with diseases and medical conditions. Consult your healthcare provider to determine if Enhertu is the right treatment for you.
- Enhertu, a drug primarily used for breast cancer, targets HER2-expressing cancer cells and has shown effectiveness in HR-positive breast cancer, even across HER2-negative groups.
- However, the use of Enhertu warrants careful monitoring of lung, heart, and blood cell counts during treatment, as it carries risks for severe lung problems, low white blood cell counts, and cardiac function issues.
- Enhertu isn't recommended for pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding, and those with a history of allergic reactions to Enhertu or its ingredients should notify their healthcare providers.
- It's crucial to inform healthcare providers about any other medications, including cannabis and cannabis-derived products like CBD, to prevent potential interactions with Enhertu.
