pertuzumab

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Pronunciation: per TOO zoo mab

Brand: Perjeta

What is the most important information I should know about pertuzumab?

Pertuzumab can cause birth defects or death to the unborn baby. Do not use if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control while you are using this medication.

Pertuzumab can cause life-threatening heart problems. Your heart function may need to be checked before you start using pertuzumab and during your treatment.

Call your doctor at once if you have shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, or rapid weight gain.

What is pertuzumab?

Pertuzumab is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Pertuzumab is used together with other cancer medicines (trastuzumab and docetaxel) to treat HER2-positive breast cancer.

Pertuzumab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving pertuzumab?

You should not use pertuzumab if you are allergic to it, or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

To make sure pertuzumab is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • heart disease, congestive heart failure, heart rhythm disorder;
  • untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension);
  • if you have recently had a heart attack; or
  • if you have ever had a radiation treatment in your chest area.

Do not use pertuzumab if you are pregnant. It can cause birth defects or death to the unborn baby. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.

Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using pertuzumab and for at least 7 months after your last dose. This is especially important if you also use trastuzumab. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment or within 7 months after your treatment ends.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry. This is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and to evaluate any effects of pertuzumab on the baby.

It is not known whether pertuzumab passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using pertuzumab.

How is pertuzumab given?

Before you receive this medication, you may need to undergo a biopsy to make sure pertuzumab is the right medication to treat your cancer.

Pertuzumab is injected into a vein through an IV. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting.

Pertuzumab is usually given once every 3 weeks. Follow your doctor's instructions.

You may need frequent medical tests to be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your pertuzumab injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Since this medication is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid while receiving pertuzumab?

This medicine can pass into body fluids (urine, feces, vomit). For at least 48 hours after you receive a dose, avoid allowing your body fluids to come into contact with your hands or other surfaces. Caregivers should wear rubber gloves while cleaning up a patient's body fluids, handling contaminated trash or laundry or changing diapers. Wash hands before and after removing gloves. Wash soiled clothing and linens separately from other laundry.

What are the possible side effects of pertuzumab?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some side effects may occur during the injection. Tell your caregiver right away if you feel weak, tired, or nauseated, or if you have a fast heartbeat, headache, fever, chills, muscle pain, or an unusual taste in your mouth.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

  • shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain;
  • fever, swollen gums, painful mouth sores, pain when swallowing, skin sores, cold or flu symptoms, cough, trouble breathing;
  • easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums); or
  • pale skin, feeling light-headed, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating.

Common side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

  • nausea, diarrhea;
  • temporary hair loss;
  • tired feeling;
  • numbness or tingling in your hands or feet; or
  • mild rash or itching.

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.

What other drugs will affect pertuzumab?

Other drugs may interact with pertuzumab, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about pertuzumab.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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