Like many cancer medicines, KADCYLA is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion in your doctor’s office, at a hospital, or at an infusion center.
For HER2+ early breast cancer, KADCYLA is given every 3 weeks for 14 rounds of infusion—sometimes called "cycles"—unless the cancer comes back or side effects cause the treatment to be stopped sooner. Treatment with KADCYLA typically would last less than a year.
After each infusion, your healthcare team will take some extra time to watch how you respond to treatment. If side effects occur, they may adjust, delay, or stop your treatment.
If you miss a dose of KADCYLA, DO NOT WAIT until your next 3-week cycle of treatment. Contact your doctor or nurse right away and work with them to reschedule the treatment you missed.
Side effects may occur during treatment with KADCYLA, and these can be mild or serious. It’s important to know what side effects may happen and what to watch out for during your treatment with KADCYLA. Talk to your doctor about any and all side effects you experience, even if you think they are minor.
KADCYLA can cause severe liver problems that can be life-threatening. KADCYLA may cause heart problems, including those without symptoms (such as reduced heart function) and those with symptoms (such as congestive heart failure). Receiving KADCYLA during pregnancy can result in the death of an unborn baby and birth defects.
Other possible serious side effects include:
The most common side effects in people taking KADCYLA for early breast cancer are tiredness, nausea, liver problems, pain that affects the bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons, bleeding, low platelet count, headache, weakness, numbness, and pain in the hands and feet, and joint pain.
Talk to your doctor about any side effects you experience. Learn what to watch out for and get tips for certain side effects below.
Remember, the tips mentioned below may not work for everyone. Be sure to talk with your doctor before trying any of these tips.
Be aware that these are not all of the side effects associated with KADCYLA. For more information, please review the KADCYLA Important Safety Information and the full Prescribing Information.
You are encouraged to report side effects to Genentech and the FDA. You may contact Genentech by calling 1-888-835-2555. You may contact the FDA by visiting www.fda.gov/medwatch or calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
Need help starting the conversation? Get a list of questions to ask your doctor before and during treatment with KADCYLA.
Get information and support for your treatment journey with HERConnection.
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