Hello!
I have just had my 3rd Herceptin injection today out of 9. The nurse administering it, set her phone to 5 minutes and took 5 minutes to inject it. My first one took a little while but the second one, not so long, maybe a minute?? When I raised it today, the nurse said it should take 5 minutes (and 8 minutes for the first one!)
Does the time taken to inject it have any bearing on the effectiveness of it?? These inconsistencies worry me a bit.
Sarah xx
Hi @sarahc_123
I hope the nurses will answer your question soon bearing in mind the helpline is open Mon to Friday 9-4 and Saturday 9-1.
From my own personal experience, I have had 8/18 Herceptin. 6 done while having chemotherapy and 2 by a private healthcare provider in the home. None of the nurses have actually timed the injection, they just do a steady push and just chat along while they are doing this.
I found this leaflet that states up to 5 minutes
https://velindre.nhs.wales/velindrecc/patient-information/chemotherapy-immunotherapy-information-leaflets/subcutaneous-herceptin-786/
I hope this helps until you get a response from the nurses.
Take care 
Mine takes around 5 minutes to inject, never timed it tho, sometimes up to 8 if they go to fast and I need them To stop for a bit…you need to ask your team about its effectiveness as I don’t know the answer,
Thank you! I’ve researched it a bit and it says 2 to 5 mins so feel a bit reassured. I’ve only had 3 out of 9 so getting used to it. My thigh is much more sore this third time than the other times though. xx
Thank you so much for this. I need to get over my fear of injections! I’m only having 9 which I’m glad about but now worried it’s not enough as most people seem to have it for a year! xx
Hi @sarahc_123
I’m having 18 cycles which is just over a year, I thought it was standard but as with everything else with cancer it’s individualised. If you are worried, maybe you could talk to your team or the Breast Cancer Now nurses on 0808 800 6000 Mon to Fri 9-4 Sat 9-1.
Do they alternate your legs? I have to keep a record to make sure they use a different leg each time.
I find looking away and chatting a good distraction for injections. I even ask them not to say just a small scratch, as I’m fed up of hearing it. I just want it done.
Ha ha! Just a small scratch! I know!! Although some of the nurses say ‘Just a sharp scratch’ which is worse! I’m making a note now. So far, it’s been left, left, right. Yes, I’ve been researching and it says ‘up to a year’ Maybe because my tumour was only 8mm? I will ask oncologist how they decided. It will definitely be good to get it done! Good luck to you! xx
You’re right a ‘sharp scratch’
Dear sarahc_123
Thanks for your post. It’s understandable you are worried about the inconsistencies between how long your Herceptin has been given over.
The time you say your Herceptin has given over is not likely to have altered the effectiveness of it. When Herceptin is given as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin) it is given over 2 to 5 minutes. As you can see from the response to your posts the average time it is administered over tends to be 5 minutes.
When Herceptin is given for primary breast cancer it usually given for a year. However, the length of time may vary depending on someone’s individual situation. As you say, this is something you can talk to your oncologist about.
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