Medical Oncologist
Trastuzumab (Herceptin) infusion
Trastuzumab Infusion Day: — Premedication, Duration and What to Expect
Your first trastuzumab infusion is longer than the ones that follow. Your team runs it slowly, watches you throughout, and gives you premedication beforehand to reduce the chance of a reaction. Follow-up infusions are shorter, and you go home the same day.
Medically reviewed by Dr. C. Raghavendra Reddy, Medical Oncologist, MBBS (Gold Medal) · DNB · DM (Medical Oncology, Gold Medal) · Last reviewed August 2026
- First infusion is longer — Your team runs the first dose slowly and keeps you for observation before you leave.
- Premedication comes first — An antihistamine and paracetamol are given before the drip starts to reduce the chance of a reaction.
- Day care, not admission — Trastuzumab is given as a day-care infusion at CION. There is no overnight stay.
- Later infusions are shorter — Once the first dose is established and well tolerated, follow-up infusions run faster.
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Your first trastuzumab infusion takes longer than later ones because your team runs it slowly and watches for reactions. You receive premedication first to reduce the chance of side effects. Follow-up infusions are shorter once your body's response is established. You go home the same day.
What happens on trastuzumab infusion day, step by step?
Check in and pre-infusion assessment
Your temperature, blood pressure and pulse are recorded. If a routine blood test is due, it is done at this point before the infusion begins.
Premedication
Before the drip starts, your team gives you an antihistamine and paracetamol. These reduce the chance of fever, chills or a rash during the infusion.
IV access
A small cannula is placed, usually in your forearm or the back of your hand. This is where the infusion runs in.
Infusion starts
For your first dose, the drip runs at a slow rate. Your nurse checks on you regularly throughout. If you notice anything unusual — warmth, chills, a tight chest — say so immediately rather than waiting.
Post-infusion monitoring
After the drip ends you stay in the day-care unit for a period of observation. Your team watches for delayed reactions before clearing you to leave.
Discharge
Your team reviews how you felt, tells you what to watch for at home, and confirms your next appointment before you leave.
What should you do before your infusion appointment?
- Eat a normal meal before you come — there is no need to fast.
- Wear loose clothing with easy access to your arms for the cannula.
- Bring a book, headphones, or something to keep you occupied — the first session takes time.
- Bring a full list of every medicine, supplement and herbal remedy you are currently taking.
- Tell your team the same day if you have a cold, fever or feel unwell — your infusion may need to be rescheduled.
- Bring someone with you for your first session if you can.
Meet the Specialists
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Trained at AIIMS, Tata Memorial, and leading international centres. Combined 150+ years of experience. Every complex case is reviewed by 3+ of them — together.
Medical Oncologist
Dr. C. Raghavendra Reddy
MBBS(Gold Medal), DNB(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Gold Medal)
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Bharati Devi Gorantla
MBBS, MD(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Adyar,Chennai), ECMO, MRCP SCE(UK)
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Owais Mohammed
MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DrNB (Medical Oncology), ECMO, MRCP SCE (Medical Oncology) (UK)
Medical Oncologist
Medical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Muralidhar Muddusetty
MBBS (AIIMS), MS (Surgery) (AIIMS), DNB (Surgical Oncology), MRCS (Edinburgh)
Surgical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Vinay Mamidala
MBBS, MS(General Surgery), M.Ch(Surgical Oncology), FMAS, FARIS(Ongoing)
Surgical Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Hematologist
Interventional Radiologist
Dr. Mohammed Imran
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Vajja Sandeep Kumar
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DrNB (Surgical Oncology), FALS Oncology
Surgical Oncologist
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What does an infusion reaction feel like, and is it serious?
During or shortly after the first infusion, some people feel chills, warmth, a mild headache or nausea. These reactions are most common with the first dose and are much less likely with later ones.
If you notice anything — including a tight feeling in your chest, difficulty breathing, or a sudden change in how you feel — tell your nurse immediately. The infusion can be slowed or paused while your team assesses you.
Most reactions are mild and settle quickly once the rate is adjusted or treatment is given on the spot. The observation period after your first infusion exists precisely to catch and manage anything that arises.
Did you know?
Trastuzumab was among the first targeted therapies shown to meaningfully improve outcomes in HER2-positive breast cancer, changing how oncologists approach this subtype.
The day-care format — no overnight admission required — was built into its design to make long courses of maintenance treatment practical for patients and families.
Source: ASCO Educational Resources on HER2-Targeted Therapy
Explore 75 more Breast Cancer Targeted Medicines topics
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Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How long does the first trastuzumab infusion take?
The first infusion takes longer than follow-up doses because it is run at a slower rate while your team watches for reactions. Including premedication and the post-infusion observation period, you should plan for several hours for your first visit. Your team will give you a more specific estimate on the day. Later infusions are shorter once the first has been tolerated well.
Will I feel the infusion going in?
Most people do not feel the infusion itself. The cannula insertion is a brief sting. Some people notice mild warmth or a slight headache during the first infusion — these are worth mentioning to your nurse even if they feel minor, because your team uses that information to decide whether to adjust the rate.
Can I drive myself home after a trastuzumab infusion?
After a straightforward infusion with no reaction, most people are able to drive. For your first infusion, however, it is safer to bring someone with you — you will not know in advance how you will feel afterwards. If there is any reaction during the session, you should not drive home that day. Ask your team at the day-care unit before you leave.
What should I tell my team before the infusion starts?
Tell your team if you have a cough, cold, fever or feel unwell on the day of your appointment. Also mention any new medicines, supplements or herbal remedies you have started since your last visit. If your heart has been investigated for any reason since your last infusion, mention that too — trastuzumab is monitored alongside cardiac function and your team needs a complete picture.
How often do trastuzumab infusions happen?
The schedule depends on the protocol your oncologist has prescribed — some regimens run every three weeks, others weekly. Your oncologist will explain the schedule that applies to you and how many cycles are planned. The appointment cadence is set from the start so you can plan around it.