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What is the difference between Herceptin and Herceptin Hylecta?

Medically reviewed by Melisa Puckey, BPharm. Last updated on Aug 8, 2024.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Herceptin contains one active ingredient, trastuzumab, and is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion slowly into a vein.

Herceptin Hylecta contains two active ingredients, trastuzumab and hyaluronidase-oysk, and is given as a subcutaneous injection, which is an injection that goes under the skin.
Herceptin and Herceptin Hylecta are NOT interchangeable.

Table of differences between Herceptin injection and Herceptin Hylecta

Herceptin Injection Herceptin Hylecta
Active ingredient(s) Trastuzumab Trastuzumab and hyaluronidase-oysk
Treatment* Adjuvant Breast Cancer
Metastatic Breast Cancer
Metastatic Gastric Cancer
Adjuvant Breast Cancer
Metastatic Breast Cancer
Are they interchangeable? No No
Form Single use vial powder to be reconstituted with sterile water for injection
Multiple use vial powder to be reconstituted with bacteriostatic water for injection
Single use, ready to use solution for injection
Administration route Intravenous infusion = slow IV into vein Subcutaneous injection = injected under skin
Time for administration 90 minutes for initial dose which can be reduced to 30 minutes for later doses Given over 2 to 5 minutes
Administered by Health Care professional Health Care professional
Storage Single use vial:
Before reconstitution: Store in the refrigerator 2°C to 8° C (36°F to 46°F)
Once reconstituted if not used immediately must be stored between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) and discarded after 24 hours if not used.
Multiple use vial:
Before reconstitution: Store in the refrigerator 2°C to 8° C (36°F to 46°F)
Once reconstituted solution can be stored between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) for up to 28 days after which remaining solution should be destroyed
Stored in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) until just before use,
when it can be at room temperature (20°C to 25°C) for up to 4 hours

* Treatment is only indicated in these conditions for selected patients, who have a specific type of cancer, who will be using specific treatment regimens, and patient selection can be dependent on previously used treatment options.

Related questions

Indications:

Herceptin injection is indicated for use in specific patients with adjuvant breast cancer,
metastatic breast cancer and metastatic gastric cancer.
Herceptin Hylecta is indicated for use in specific patients with adjuvant breast cancer and metastatic breast cancer but NOT metastatic gastric cancer.

Length of time for administration:

Herceptin injection is given as a slow IV infusion over 90 minutes for the first dose, which can be reduced for late doses down to 30 minutes.
Herceptin Hylecta is given as a subcutaneous injection under the skin over 2 to 5 minutes.

Storage:

  • Both Herceptin and Herceptin Hylecta need to be stored in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8° C (36°F to 46°F) until required, but have different storage requirements after this.
  • Once the Herceptin injection single use vial is taken out of the refrigerator and reconstituted with sterile water for injection it should be used immediately or must be stored in the refrigerator and then discarded after 24 hours if not used.
  • Once the Herceptin injection multiple use vial is taken out of the refrigerator and reconstituted bacteriostatic water for injection it can be can be stored in the refrigerator between at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) for up to 28 days after which remaining solution should be destroyed.
  • Herceptin Hylecta is stored in the refrigerator until just before use when it be at room temperature (20°C to 25°C) for up to 4 hours, after this time if it has not been used it should be destroyed.
References

Herceptin Medication Information: https://www.drugs.com/pro/herceptin.html

Herceptin Hylecta Medication Information: https://www.drugs.com/pro/herceptin-hylecta.html

Read next

What happens after Herceptin treatment?

After Herceptin treatment, your doctor will monitor you regularly for cancer progression, advise you not to become pregnant for at least 7 months (if you are of childbearing potential), and test your heart every 6 months for at least 2 years, because there is a higher risk of developing long-term heart damage in people who take Herceptin. Continue reading

How long can I stay on Herceptin?

Treatment regimens for Herceptin vary depending on hospital protocols, but for the treatment of HER2+ early breast cancer, treatment is usually continued for one year (up to 18 cycles). Continue reading

What are the biosimilars of Herceptin?

The biosimilars of Herceptin are Herzuma, Kanjinti, Ogivri, Ontruzant and Trazimera Continue reading

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