How is HERZUMA administered? A Comprehensive Guide

October 7, 2025 •

3 min read

Approved in 2018 as a biosimilar to Herceptin, HERZUMA is a targeted therapy used to treat HER2-overexpressing cancers. Understanding how is HERZUMA administered is crucial for patients, as the intravenous infusion process involves specific protocols regarding administration timing and patient monitoring. The administration is a multi-step process performed by trained healthcare professionals in a controlled setting.

Quick Summary

HERZUMA is administered via slow intravenous (IV) infusion in a clinical setting by a healthcare professional. Doses, schedules, and infusion times vary by cancer type, with the first infusion typically lasting longer than subsequent ones, and careful patient monitoring is required throughout treatment.

Key Points

Intravenous (IV) Infusion Only: HERZUMA is administered exclusively as a slow IV infusion into a vein and not as a rapid push or bolus.
Professional Administration: The medication must be prepared and delivered by a trained healthcare professional in a clinical setting, such as an infusion center or hospital.
Administration Schedule Varies: The specific administration schedule is determined by the cancer type (e.g., breast or gastric) and the treatment stage (e.g., adjuvant or metastatic).
Different Infusion Times: Initial infusions typically take longer (90 minutes) than subsequent maintenance infusions (30 to 90 minutes), allowing for close patient observation.
Mandatory Patient Monitoring: Patients are monitored closely during and after each infusion for potential infusion-related reactions, with the first dose requiring the longest observation period.
Specialized Preparation: HERZUMA is supplied as a lyophilized powder and must be reconstituted and diluted with specific sterile solutions before administration.
Required Cardiac Monitoring: Due to the risk of heart problems, patients must undergo heart function assessments before and during treatment.

Before discussing how HERZUMA is administered, it is important to note that information presented is for general knowledge and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. HERZUMA (trastuzumab-pkrb) is an FDA-approved biosimilar for Herceptin, used to target the HER2 protein on certain cancer cells. Its administration is a controlled process performed by trained healthcare professionals, usually in a clinic or hospital. The medication is prepared and given intravenously (IV). Dosage and schedule depend on the cancer type and if it's used with other chemotherapies.

The Intravenous Infusion Process

Preparation for Infusion

HERZUMA is a lyophilized powder that needs reconstitution and dilution before use.

Reconstitution: Sterile Water for Injection (SWFI) is injected into the vial, gently swirling (not shaking) to dissolve the powder.
Dilution: A measured amount of the reconstituted solution is added to a 250 mL bag of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP (Dextrose solution should not be used), and gently mixed.
Inspection: The final solution is checked for particles and discoloration; it should be clear to pale yellow.

Administration by a Healthcare Professional

HERZUMA is given as a slow IV infusion over a set time. It is never a rapid IV push. The first infusion is longer for monitoring, while later ones are shorter. The infusion uses a standard IV catheter or central venous port. Close monitoring is required during infusions, at least six hours for the first and two hours for subsequent ones. Emergency kits are available for severe reactions.

Administration Schedule Variations

HERZUMA administration schedules vary based on the type of cancer (adjuvant breast cancer, metastatic breast cancer, or metastatic gastric cancer) and the specific regimen used, including whether it's administered weekly or every three weeks. Initial administrations typically involve a higher dose than subsequent maintenance administrations.

Comparison of HERZUMA Administration Procedures


Feature	Initial Infusion	Subsequent Infusions
Duration	90 minutes	30 to 90 minutes, depending on the regimen
Administration Amount	Involves a loading dose	Involves a maintenance dose
Monitoring	Close observation for at least 6 hours	Observation for at least 2 hours
Administration Location	By a healthcare professional in a clinic or hospital setting	By a healthcare professional in a clinic or hospital setting
Purpose	To deliver an initial dose and monitor for initial reactions	To maintain therapeutic levels and ensure patient comfort

Important Safety Considerations

Cardiac monitoring is important due to the risk of heart dysfunction. Infusion reactions can occur, ranging from mild to severe. If an administration is missed by over a week, a re-loading dose may be necessary. HERZUMA should not be substituted with other trastuzumab products.

Conclusion

Administering HERZUMA involves a specific intravenous infusion process conducted by healthcare professionals. This includes careful preparation, slow infusion over a set time based on cancer type and treatment stage, and close patient monitoring, especially during the initial infusion, for potential side effects. Regular cardiac monitoring is also required throughout treatment. Following the prescribed schedule and communicating with the healthcare team are vital for safe and effective HERZUMA therapy. It is crucial to remember that all aspects of HERZUMA administration, including specific doses and schedules, are determined by a qualified healthcare professional based on individual patient needs and the type of cancer being treated. Always consult with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your HERZUMA treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

HERZUMA is administered via slow intravenous (IV) infusion through a needle placed in a vein or through a port.

The first infusion of HERZUMA typically takes about 90 minutes. Subsequent doses usually take about 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the specific dosage and treatment regimen.

HERZUMA is administered in a controlled clinical setting, such as a doctor's office, infusion center, or hospital, under the supervision of a trained healthcare professional.

The initial administration of HERZUMA involves a higher 'loading' dose and is infused more slowly (90 minutes) compared to subsequent 'maintenance' administrations, which involve a lower dose and take less time (30-90 minutes). The first infusion requires a longer observation period.

If an administration is missed, a healthcare provider will determine the next steps. If an administration is missed by more than one week, a re-loading dose may be necessary before continuing the regular schedule.

Yes, the administration schedule for HERZUMA varies depending on the type of cancer, such as early-stage breast cancer, metastatic breast cancer, or metastatic gastric cancer.

HERZUMA, which comes as a lyophilized powder, is first reconstituted with Sterile Water for Injection. The resulting solution is then diluted with 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection in an infusion bag before being administered to the patient.

Cardiac monitoring, such as with an ECHO or MUGA scan, is essential because HERZUMA can cause heart problems, including reduced heart function.