Pertuzumab is an anticancer medication used to treat metastatic breast cancer. On 08th June 2012, the U.S. FDA approved Pertuzumab for treating adult patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. It is used with a combination of trastuzumab and docetaxel. 

Pertuzumab is an active substance for treating metastatic breast cancer in adult patients. It is given either before surgery as a neoadjuvant therapy or after surgery as an adjuvant therapy based on the condition and treatment plan. This medication helps in controlling the spread of cancer. 

Pertuzumab is available as an injection and administered intravenously once every three weeks. Follow your physician's instructions. Your doctor will determine the frequency and dose of administration because it varies for each person depending on the disease condition. 

Some common side effects caused by Pertuzumab are bleeding of the nose, cough, heartburn, dry skin, itchiness or acne-like skin, joint pain, muscle pain and weakness, constipation, reduced appetite, diarrhea, alopecia, nausea, fatigue, rash, numbness, weakness, decreased in the number of red blood cells and sore throat. Some serious side effects likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Pertuzumab injection are persistent diarrhea, allergic and anaphylactic reactions, heart problems, shortness of breath, tumor lysis syndrome, kidney problems, and seizures.

Pertuzumab can harm unborn babies. Before starting this treatment, it is important to consult your doctor if you are planning a pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or think you may be pregnant. While undergoing treatment, use effective contraception and continue it for six months after stopping treatment. If you take recently or plan to take any other medications, inform your doctor. These medicines should not be given to patients under the age of 18. Pertuzumab may cause a reduction in white blood cells with fever (Febrile neutropenia). 

Pertuzumab can cause heart problems like heart failure, serious irregular heartbeats, and uncontrolled high blood pressure. So inform your doctor about your medical history before starting with the treatment. Inform your doctor If you have ever taken chemotherapy medication. This drug may cause allergic reactions. Inform your doctor if you have kidney problems and heart-based diseases.

Pertuzumab can make you feel so dizzy. So avoid driving or handling machines after taking this medication. If you experience any symptoms mentioned above, consult your doctor immediately. 

1. Roche Products Ltd, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [Revised on January 2022] [ Accessed on 15 March 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2993.pdf
2. PERJETA,U.S Food & Drug Administration FDA, [Revised on Jun 2012],[Accessed on15 March 2023],https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/125409lbl.pdf
3. Komal Jhaveri, Francisco J Esteva; Pertuzumab in the treatment of HER2+ breast cancer; Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network; Published on April 2014; Accessed on 15 March 2023; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24717573/  
4. Kei Ishii; Pertuzumab in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer: An evidence-based review of its safety, efficacy, and place in therapy; [Published online on 31st Oct 2019];[Accessed on 21st Feb 2023];  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6827570

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.