Pertuzumab

Pertuzumab is used to treat breast cancer. It belongs to group of medicine called monoclonal antibodies.

Pertuzumab is given as an injection into veins under the supervision of a doctor. Your doctor will decide what dose is necessary and how often you need to take it. This will depend on what you are being treated for and may change from time to time. You should take it exactly as your doctor has advised. Taking it in the wrong way or taking too much can cause very serious side effects. It may take several weeks or months for you to see or feel the benefits but do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.

Hair loss, diarrhea, nausea, and fatigue are some common side effects of this medicine. This medicine may reduce the number of blood cells (decrease white blood cells) in your blood, thereby, increasing the susceptibility to infections. Regular blood tests are required to check your blood cells along with the heart, liver, and kidney.

Many other medicines can affect, or be affected by, this medicine so let your healthcare team know all medications you are using. This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. The use of effective contraception by both males and females during treatment is important to avoid pregnancy.

"There is a Patient Support Program / Patient Assistance Program available in India for this medicine, being managed by Tata 1mg. Please contact your prescribing doctor to know more about the same. You may also call on (1800-102-1618) for more details."

• Breast cancer

Breast cancer
Pertuzumab is used to treat breast cancer when other medicines have failed to show significant improvement. It helps to stop cancer growth and further spread and relieves the symptoms of breast cancer such as breast lumps, bloody discharge from nipple or changes in the shape or texture of the breast. This medicine is given as an injection by a doctor or nurse. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get the most benefit.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Perjeta

• Diarrhea
• Hair loss
• Feeling sick
• Rash
• Stomach inflammation
• Decreased blood cells (red cells, white cells, and platelets)
• Muscle pain
• Cough
• Heartburn
• Breathlessness
• Dizziness
• Fatigue

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

Pertuzumab is a monoclonal antibody designed to recognize and attach to specific proteins on the surface of cancer cells. Pertuzumab gets attached to human epidermal growth factor receptor 2( HER2) and may kill or stop the growth of cancer cells.

• Pertuzumab is used in combination with other medicines for the treatment of breast cancer.
• Do not receive any kind of immunization or vaccination without your doctor's approval while taking Pertuzumab.
• Use contraceptives, and do not conceive a child (get pregnant) while taking Pertuzumab. Barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms should be used during therapy and for 6 months after treatment.
• Drink at least two to three quarts of fluid every 24 hours, unless you are instructed otherwise.
• You may be at risk of infection so try to avoid crowds or people with colds, and report fever or any other signs of infection immediately to your health care provider.
• To reduce nausea, take anti-nausea medications as prescribed by your doctor, and eat small, frequent meals.
• Take anti-diarrhea medication as prescribed by your doctor and eat foods that may help control diarrhea.
• Avoid sun exposure. Wear SPF 15 (or higher) sunblock and protective clothing.
• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking Pertuzumab.

Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. p. 1095.

Pertuzumab [FDA Label]. South San Francisco, CA: Genentech, Inc.; 2012. [Accessed 05 Feb. 2020] (online) Available from: