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Trodelvy (sacituzumab govitecan)
Starting Trodelvy can bring up a lot of questions, for you and for the people who love you. Here you'll find what to expect, how to feel your best day to day and where to get help, so you can focus on your life and time together.
ℹ️ General information to help you and your loved ones talk with your care team, not medical advice. Read our disclaimer.
Antibody-drug conjugate (TROP-2) · Used for: Breast cancer
💉 Given by IV or injection · Antibody-drug conjugate (TROP-2)
The quick guide
What it is: Antibody-drug conjugate (TROP-2).
How it's given: An IV infusion on days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle.
How it works: Trodelvy uses an antibody to find TROP-2 on cancer cells and deliver a chemo drug. Used for metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (including as a first treatment for some people) and for HR+/HER2- breast cancer after earlier treatment.
Side effects you may notice, and what helps at home
| Side effect | What can help |
|---|---|
| Neutropenia (low blood counts and infection risk) (Low white blood cells) | Wash hands often; check your temperature if you feel unwell. |
| Diarrhea (loose, watery stools) | Fluids, bland food; ask your team about anti-diarrhea medicine early. |
| Nausea and vomiting (CINV) | Small bland meals; take anti-nausea medicine as prescribed. |
| Alopecia (hair loss from chemo) | Gentle hair care; ask about scalp cooling. |
| Fatigue (extreme tiredness) | Short walks and planned rest. |
Not everyone gets these. Your team may suggest other ways to manage them.
Call your care team now if you have:
- ⚠️ Boxed warning (FDA's most serious): Severe low white blood cell counts and severe diarrhea. Your team checks blood counts and gives you a diarrhea plan.
- Call right away for a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- Diarrhea that won't stop or signs of dehydration
- Trouble breathing or swelling during the infusion
Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain or signs of stroke.
🗓 What to expect
1️⃣ Before you start
- Ask your team for a written schedule and an after-hours phone number.
- Bring a list of all your medicines and supplements.
2️⃣ During each infusion
- You'll get the medicine through an IV in a clinic; nurses check you during the infusion.
- Tell the nurse right away about chills, itching, flushing, or trouble breathing.
- Bring a snack, water and something to pass the time.
3️⃣ Between doses
- Watch for the side effects below and use the checklist.
- Keep up with blood tests and visits.
- Call your team for anything in the red box.
✅ Side-effect checklist
Print this and check off what you notice so you can tell your team.
| Side effect | Noticed? | Notes for my team |
|---|---|---|
| Neutropenia (low blood counts and infection risk) | ☐ | |
| Diarrhea (loose, watery stools) | ☐ | |
| Nausea and vomiting (CINV) | ☐ | |
| Alopecia (hair loss from chemo) | ☐ | |
| Fatigue (extreme tiredness) | ☐ |
Help paying for Trodelvy (sacituzumab govitecan)
Trodelvy (sacituzumab govitecan) is made by Gilead (including Kite).
Official manufacturer program:
- Trodelvy Access Support (Gilead): Copay and access help for Trodelvy.
Copay cards are usually only for people with commercial (job or marketplace) insurance. If you have Medicare or Medicaid, look at free-drug programs and these independent foundations:
- PAN Foundation: Copays and coinsurance, including for people with Medicare, when a disease fund is open.
- HealthWell Foundation: Grants for copays, deductibles and premiums when a fund is open.
- CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation: Help with treatment copays for insured people under income limits.
- Good Days: Copay help and some travel costs.
- NeedyMeds: Free database of assistance programs, open to anyone.
📋 Medicare: Medicare Part B usually covers drugs given by infusion in a doctor's office or hospital outpatient clinic. You typically pay 20% after the Part B deductible. See Medicare and your cancer drugs.
More: Help from drug makers · Our guide to paying for cancer treatment.
❓ Questions you and your loved ones can ask
- What is the goal of this treatment for me?
- How will we know if it's working?
- Which side effects should I call about right away, and what number do I call after hours?
- Which medicines, vitamins or supplements should I avoid?
- Will this affect my ability to work, drive or care for my family?
- What will this cost me, and who can help me with coverage?
Support for you and your family
- Susan G. Komen: Breast care helpline, treatment assistance and education
- Living Beyond Breast Cancer: Helpline, peer support and programs for metastatic breast cancer
- CancerCare: Free counseling, support groups and financial help
- Cancer Support Community: Support groups, a helpline and the MyLifeLine online community
Questions people often ask
How does Trodelvy work?
Trodelvy uses an antibody to find TROP-2 on cancer cells and deliver a chemo drug.
How is Trodelvy given?
An IV infusion on days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle.
How is Trodelvy (sacituzumab govitecan) given?
An IV infusion on days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle.
How does Trodelvy (sacituzumab govitecan) work?
Trodelvy uses an antibody to find TROP-2 on cancer cells and deliver a chemo drug. Used for metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (including as a first treatment for some people) and for HR+/HER2- breast cancer after earlier treatment.
What side effects are common with Trodelvy (sacituzumab govitecan)?
Side effects people often notice include Neutropenia (low blood counts and infection risk), Diarrhea (loose, watery stools), Nausea and vomiting (CINV), Alopecia (hair loss from chemo), and Fatigue (extreme tiredness). Not everyone gets them, and our table above shares tips that may help at home.
When should I call my care team while on Trodelvy (sacituzumab govitecan)?
Call right away if you notice any of these: ⚠️ Boxed warning (FDA's most serious): Severe low white blood cell counts and severe diarrhea. Your team checks blood counts and gives you a diarrhea plan; call right away for a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher; diarrhea that won't stop or signs of dehydration. If you're ever unsure, it's always OK to call.
What cancers is Trodelvy (sacituzumab govitecan) used for?
On this site, we cover Trodelvy (sacituzumab govitecan) for breast cancer. Your care team decides whether it fits your situation.
📄 The official FDA label for Trodelvy (sacituzumab govitecan), including its patient information section, is on DailyMed.
Written by the Cancer Side Effects Guide team from FDA labels and leading cancer centers. Not medical advice. · Last updated: October 15, 2026 · How we write
Sources
Last updated: October 15, 2026. We summarize these sources in our own words.