Perjeta

Generic name: Pertuzumab
Drug class: HER2 inhibitors

Usage of Perjeta

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

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

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

Perjeta side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Perjeta: hives; difficult 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:

dizziness, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;

new or worsening cough or shortness of breath;

swelling in your lower legs;

low blood cell counts - fever, chills, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed; or

signs of tumor cell breakdown - confusion, weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, fast or slow heart rate, decreased urination, tingling in your hands and feet or around your mouth.

Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.

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

nausea, diarrhea;

temporary hair loss;

fever, low blood cell counts;

tiredness;

rash; or

numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands or feet.

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.

Before taking Perjeta

Do not use Perjeta if you are allergic to pertuzumab, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

heart disease, congestive heart failure, heart rhythm disorder;

untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension);

a heart attack; or

radiation treatment in your chest area.

Do not use Perjeta if you are pregnant. It can cause birth defects or death to the unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using pertuzumab with trastuzumab, and for at least 7 months after your treatment ends. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of pertuzumab on the baby.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using Perjeta with trastuzumab, and for up to 7 months after your last dose. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Relate drugs

How to use Perjeta

Perjeta is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

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

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

Warnings

Perjeta can cause birth defects or death to the unborn baby. Do not use if you are pregnant. Avoid getting pregnant while using this medicine and for at least 7 months after your last dose.

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

Call your doctor at once if you have new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, or swelling in your lower legs.

What other drugs will affect Perjeta

Other drugs may interact with pertuzumab, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Disclaimer

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