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Perjeta (pertuzumab) is a targeted cancer drug used to treat HER2-positive breast cancer. It is also used with Herceptin and chemotherapy for HER2-positive breast cancer that is early stage, inflammatory, or locally advanced. Perjeta is commonly administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion every three weeks. While Perjeta is an effective treatment for many patients, it has been associated with a range of side effects, including muscle pain.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle pain | Common side effect |
| Other side effects | Chills, rash, nausea, vomiting, weakness, fatigue, alopecia, neutropenia, low red or white blood cells, joint pain, infusion reactions, allergic reactions, heart failure, embryo death, birth defects, high temperature, shivering, numbness or tingling in fingers or toes, serious eye symptoms, serious heart symptoms |
| Treatment | Doctors may monitor heart function and evaluate cardiac function throughout treatment |
| Precautions | Not suitable for everyone undergoing breast cancer treatment, not suitable for pregnant women, may cause fetal harm |
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What You'll Learn
Perjeta may cause allergic reactions
Perjeta (pertuzumab) is a targeted cancer drug used to treat HER2-positive breast cancer. It is also used to treat other types of cancer. The drug is administered by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. It is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion every three weeks.
Perjeta has been associated with allergic reactions, which can be serious and even fatal. Some people receiving Perjeta may have severe allergic reactions, called hypersensitivity reactions or anaphylaxis, which may happen quickly and may affect many areas of the body. If you experience any allergic reaction symptoms, call your healthcare provider right away. People who are allergic to any of the ingredients in Perjeta should not use it. Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the medication.
Some of the signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction include trouble breathing, chest pain, hives, nausea or vomiting, headache, and redness of the face and neck. If you experience any of these symptoms, get help right away.
In addition to allergic reactions, Perjeta has also been associated with other side effects, such as muscle pain, joint pain, fatigue, and heart problems. It is important to discuss any side effects with your doctor or healthcare provider. They will know if your reaction is something to be concerned about and may delay or stop treatment if needed.
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Heart problems and heart failure
Perjeta (pertuzumab) is a prescription medicine used in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. It is typically given as an intravenous (IV) infusion every three weeks.
Perjeta has been associated with heart problems and heart failure. It may increase your risk of heart failure and cause problems with heart function. Your doctor will monitor your heart function before and throughout your treatment, looking out for:
- Left ventricular dysfunction, which occurs when the left ventricle loses its ability to relax normally.
- Decreased left ventricular ejection fraction, which refers to the amount of blood being pumped out of the left ventricle.
- Congestive heart failure, in which fluid builds up around the heart, causing it to pump inefficiently. This can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, trouble breathing, especially while lying down, a cough, swelling in the legs and ankles, unusual weight gain, unusual tiredness, dizziness, and fainting.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact a healthcare professional immediately.
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Perjeta and pregnancy
Perjeta is a prescription medicine approved for use in combination with Herceptin (trastuzumab) and chemotherapy for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. It is important to note that Perjeta should not be used during pregnancy as it can cause serious harm to the unborn baby, including embryo-fetal death and birth defects.
If you are exposed to Perjeta during pregnancy or become pregnant while receiving treatment, it is crucial to report this exposure immediately. Healthcare providers will typically perform a pregnancy test before initiating treatment with Perjeta to ensure that patients are not pregnant. If you are a woman who can become pregnant, it is strongly recommended to use effective birth control while undergoing treatment with Perjeta and for a specified period after the last dose.
The exact timeframe for using birth control after discontinuing Perjeta may vary. Some sources recommend using birth control for seven months after the last dose of Perjeta, while others advise consulting a healthcare provider for personalized guidance. It is imperative to discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor and follow their recommendations regarding birth control and pregnancy testing.
Additionally, there is limited data available regarding the presence of Perjeta in breast milk. If you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, it is crucial to consult your healthcare provider for specific advice and recommendations. They can provide guidance based on your individual circumstances and the available information about the drug.
In summary, Perjeta is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to the risks of embryo-fetal death and birth defects. Women who can become pregnant should use effective birth control while undergoing treatment and for a specified period afterward. It is important to consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice regarding pregnancy testing, contraception, and breastfeeding considerations related to Perjeta treatment.
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Blood disorders
Perjeta (pertuzumab) is a targeted cancer drug used to treat different types of cancer. It is approved to be used with trastuzumab (Herceptin) and docetaxel (Taxotere) for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. It is also used with Herceptin and chemotherapy for early-stage, inflammatory, or locally advanced HER2-positive breast cancer.
- Low red blood cell levels (anaemia): Anaemia can cause breathlessness and paleness.
- Low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia): This can lead to nosebleeds, bleeding gums, and tiny red spots or bruises on the arms or legs (petechiae).
- Low white blood cell levels: This increases the risk of infection, with symptoms such as a change in temperature, aching muscles, cough, headaches, feeling cold and shivery, pain or a burning feeling when urinating, or generally feeling unwell. Infections can sometimes be life-threatening.
- Low neutrophil levels (neutropenia)
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately. They will evaluate your reaction and may delay or stop treatment if needed.
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Skin problems
Perjeta is a targeted cancer drug used to treat HER2-positive breast cancer. It is associated with several side effects, including skin problems.
In some cases, skin reactions may occur during the infusion of Perjeta. Symptoms can include a skin rash, itching, and swelling of the lips, face, or throat. These reactions can be managed by slowing or stopping the infusion and administering medication to relieve the symptoms.
It is important to note that white blood cell (WBC) counts can decrease during Perjeta treatment, increasing the risk of infection. Therefore, any symptoms indicating a potential infection, such as fever, sore throat, or shortness of breath, should be promptly reported to a healthcare professional.
Additionally, nail changes may occur, including discolouration and brittleness. Inflammation around the nail beds of the fingers or toes is also possible but is a less common side effect.
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Frequently asked questions
Perjeta (pertuzumab) is a targeted treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer. It is also used to treat different types of cancer.
Muscle pain is a common side effect of Perjeta. Other common side effects include nausea, vomiting, rash, weakness, and fatigue.
Perjeta has been associated with serious heart problems, infusion reactions, and allergic reactions. It can also cause birth defects and embryo death.
