Generic Herceptin (Trastuzumab)
Same active ingredient — trastuzumab — as Herceptin®, at a substantially lower price. Produced by licensed pharmaceutical manufacturers.
The same active ingredient, without the originator price
Generic trastuzumab is the equivalent of branded Herceptin® — not a different medicine, and not a “knockoff.”
Any switch between brand and generic should be discussed with your prescribing doctor. Reference prices are indicative public list prices and vary by market.
Available generic trastuzumab options
Every option contains trastuzumab and requires a valid prescription. Grouped by strength.
Availability varies by destination. All options are dispatched after pharmacist review of your prescription.
What Herceptin® typically costs — and the generic alternative
Typical branded reference prices by market, next to our generic trastuzumab price.
| Market | Branded Herceptin® — reference price | Generic trastuzumab — OnlineMeds |
|---|---|---|
| United States | ~$6,000+ / cycle (brand) branded list price |
|
| United Kingdom | ~£1,200 / cycle branded list price |
|
| Australia | ~A$2,500 / cycle branded list price |
Reference prices are indicative public list prices for the originator brand. Prices vary by destination & quantity — not a promised discount.
Trastuzumab, explained simply
Written and reviewed by our pharmacist team. Informational only — your doctor directs your treatment.
Trastuzumab is the active ingredient in Herceptin®, a HER2-targeted therapy used in HER2-positive breast and gastric cancers. Generic trastuzumab contains the same active ingredient and is produced by licensed pharmaceutical manufacturers, typically at a substantially lower cost than the originator brand. Used as prescribed by a licensed medical professional.
Herceptin® is the originator brand for trastuzumab, developed by Genentech/Roche. It is prescribed in the management of cancers that test positive for the HER2 protein, including certain breast cancers and metastatic stomach cancers. It is a prescription-only medicine given under specialist supervision, usually by infusion.
Trastuzumab is a monoclonal antibody that attaches to the HER2 protein found in larger amounts on the surface of some cancer cells. By targeting HER2, it is used as part of a treatment plan directed by your oncologist. HER2 testing is performed first, because the medicine is intended for HER2-positive tumours.
Trastuzumab is prescribed for adults with HER2-positive breast cancer or HER2-positive metastatic gastric cancer, as confirmed by testing and determined by an oncologist based on your diagnosis and overall health.
Trastuzumab is given by intravenous infusion (or, for some formulations, subcutaneous injection) on a schedule set by your oncologist — commonly an initial loading dose followed by maintenance doses every one to three weeks. Heart function is checked before and during treatment. Administration is always carried out by trained healthcare staff.
Never change your dose on your own.
Reported side effects of trastuzumab may include infusion-related reactions (fever, chills), tiredness, and effects on heart function, which is why cardiac monitoring is used. Tell your care team promptly about breathlessness, cough, or swelling. This is not a complete list — read the patient information leaflet.
Report new or worsening symptoms to your doctor promptly. This is not a complete list — see the patient information leaflet.
Store as directed on the patient information leaflet, usually at room temperature away from moisture and out of reach of children. Always follow the storage guidance supplied with your medicine.
Herceptin® vs generic trastuzumab
| Attribute | Herceptin® (brand) | Generic trastuzumab |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Trastuzumab | Trastuzumab Same |
| Strengths | 150 mg / 440 mg | 150 mg / 440 mg Same |
| Dosage form | Vial for infusion | Vial for infusion Same |
| Originator | Genentech / Roche | Licensed manufacturer |
| Prescription required | Yes | Yes Same |
| Typical cash price | ~$6,000+ / cycle (brand) (United States reference) | |
| Availability | National pharmacies & insurance coverage | Ships worldwide from OnlineMeds — Rx required |
Equivalence refers to the active ingredient, strength, and form. Discuss any switch with your prescribing doctor.
A pharmacy, not a marketplace
Every order is sourced, checked, and dispatched by our own licensed pharmacy team.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about equivalence, prescriptions, legality, and delivery. Tap a question to expand.
Is generic trastuzumab the same as Herceptin?
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Harsh Bootwala is a licensed clinical pharmacist with 12 years of experience. He holds a B.Pharm and M.Pharm from Bombay University. At OnlineMeds, he reviews medicine and health content to help ensure it is accurate, evidence-based, and easy to understand.
Informational only. Used as prescribed by a licensed medical professional. This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
This page draws on public information from recognised health authorities and cancer organisations. Always follow the guidance of your own doctor.