A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Kanjinti is used to treat certain types of breast cancer or stomach cancer, sometimes in combination with other cancer medicines. Kanjinti is sometimes used when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic). Kanjinti may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Your doctor will perform a medical test to make sure Kanjinti is the right medicine to treat your cancer. Kanjinti is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection. Kanjinti is usually given once every week or every 1 to 3 weeks. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully. This medicine must be given slowly, and the infusion can take up to 90 minutes to complete. You may need frequent medical tests to be sure this medicine is not causing harmful effects. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results. Your heart function may need to be checked before and during treatment with Kanjinti. You may also need heart function testing every 6 months for 2 years after your last dose of this medicine. Kanjinti is usually given for 52 weeks, or until your body no longer responds to the medication.
Each vial of KANJINTI contains 150 mg or 420 mg of the active ingredient trastuzumab. It also contains; • histidine hydrochloride monohydrate • histidine • trehalose dihydrate • polysorbate 20 The trastuzumab protein is made using chinese hamster ovary cells.
Do not use if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Kanjinti can cause heart failure, especially if you have heart disease or if you are also receiving certain other cancer medicines. Some side effects may occur during the injection. Tell your caregivers if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, weak, short of breath, or if you have a headache, fever, or chills.
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Some side effects may occur during the injection, or in the days afterward. Tell your caregiver right away if you feel dizzy, nauseated, itchy, light-headed, weak, short of breath, or if you have a headache, fever, chills, or chest pain. Kanjinti may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have: • new or worsening cough; • a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; • severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears; • blisters or ulcers in your mouth, red or swollen gums, trouble swallowing; • heart problems--pounding heartbeats, dizziness, swelling in your lower legs, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath; • low blood cell counts--fever, chills, tiredness, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed; or • signs of tumor cell breakdown--tiredness, weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fast or slow heart rate, tingling in your hands and feet or around your mouth. Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects. Common side effects of Kanjinti may include: • heart problems • nausea, diarrhea, weight loss; • headache; • trouble sleeping, feeling tired; • low blood cell counts; • rash; • fever, chills, cough, or other signs of infection; • mouth sores; • altered sense of taste; or • cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sinus pain, sore throat. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.