Perjeta (Pertuzumab)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Perjeta Used For?
Perjeta is a specialized cancer treatment that targets a specific protein found on certain breast cancer cells. It’s designed to fight cancer by recognizing and attaching to these proteins to slow or stop cancer growth.
Primary Uses
Perjeta treats HER2-positive breast cancer in two stages: metastatic (spreading) breast cancer and early breast cancer (either before or after surgery). It’s only used for patients whose tumor has tested positive for the HER2 protein.
How It Works
Perjeta is a monoclonal antibody – a protein made in a laboratory that recognizes and attaches to a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). When Perjeta attaches to HER2 on cancer cells, it may kill them or slow/stop the cancer cells from growing.
Good to know: Perjeta is always used in combination with other cancer treatments like trastuzumab and chemotherapy medicines for better effectiveness.
How to Take Perjeta
Perjeta must be prepared and given by healthcare professionals in a hospital or clinic setting. It cannot be taken at home.
Dosage Instructions
Perjeta is given through an IV drip into a vein once every three weeks. The first infusion is 840 mg given over 60 minutes. If well tolerated, following infusions are 420 mg given over 30-60 minutes. You’ll be monitored during the infusion and for 30-60 minutes afterward.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Since Perjeta is given under medical supervision, missing a dose is unlikely. If you miss an appointment, schedule another as soon as possible rather than waiting for the next planned infusion. If it’s been 6 weeks or more since your last treatment, you’ll receive the higher 840 mg dose again.
Important: Never stop Perjeta treatment without talking to your doctor first, even if you’re feeling better.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Constipation
- Indigestion or stomach pain
- Sore mouth, throat or gut
- Getting tired more easily after light activity
- Nail problems
- Hair loss
- Feeling dizzy, tired, looking pale
- Hot flushes
- Frequent infections
- Nose bleeds
- Eye problems (producing more tears)
- Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
- Numbness, tingling, or painful sensations in feet and legs
- Loss of appetite or altered taste
- Joint or muscle pain, muscle weakness
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe or persistent diarrhea
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat with difficulty breathing
- Severe shortness of breath, wheezing or trouble breathing
- Abnormal or irregular heartbeat
- Severe chest pain spreading to arms, neck, shoulder or back
- Rash, itching or hives on skin
- Fever or chills
- Severe coughing
- Severe swelling of hands or feet
Important Warnings
Perjeta has serious warnings that you need to understand before starting treatment, especially regarding heart problems and pregnancy.
Who Should Not Take Perjeta
Do not use Perjeta if you’re allergic to pertuzumab or any ingredients, if you’re pregnant, if the package is damaged, or if it’s past the expiry date.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have heart problems (heart failure, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, recent heart attack), previous treatment with anthracycline chemotherapy drugs, previous heart problems with trastuzumab treatment, digestive tract inflammation, or allergies to other medicines or substances.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not use Perjeta if pregnant – it may harm your unborn baby. Use effective contraception during treatment and for 7 months after stopping. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant. It’s unknown if Perjeta passes into breast milk, so discuss breastfeeding with your doctor.
Heart Monitoring Required: Your doctor will closely monitor your heart function before and during treatment, especially if you have heart problems or previous anthracycline chemotherapy treatment.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Perjeta and affect how it works. Always inform your healthcare team about all medications you’re taking.
Important: Don’t take any other medicines without first telling your doctor or consulting with a pharmacist, including those you can buy without a prescription.
- Any prescription medicines
- Over-the-counter medicines
- Vitamins and supplements
- Herbal products
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with activities requiring alertness and discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. The interaction between Perjeta and alcohol should be discussed with your healthcare team.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how Perjeta affects you. It’s not known whether Perjeta may impair your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Storage
Perjeta will be stored by healthcare professionals in the pharmacy or hospital ward in a refrigerator at a temperature between 2°C and 8°C. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.
Overdose Information
Since Perjeta is given under medical supervision, overdose is unlikely. However, if you experience any side effects after receiving Perjeta, tell your doctor immediately. Medical professionals will monitor you during and after each infusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Perjeta is given as part of ongoing cancer treatment. The number of infusions depends on how you respond to treatment. Your doctor will monitor your progress regularly to determine treatment effectiveness.
You must tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements. Don’t start any new medicines without consulting your doctor or pharmacist first.
Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you experience any side effects during the infusion, especially swelling, difficulty breathing, rash, or heart problems. You’ll be monitored during the infusion and for 30-60 minutes afterward.
No, do not become pregnant while receiving Perjeta as it may harm your unborn baby. Use effective contraception during treatment and for 7 months after your last dose. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant.
Perjeta is given once every three weeks through an IV infusion. The first infusion takes about 60 minutes, and subsequent infusions typically take 30-60 minutes if the first dose was well tolerated.
Watch for shortness of breath (especially when lying down), getting tired easily after light activity, swelling of hands or feet, cough, or irregular heartbeat. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
No, never stop Perjeta treatment without talking to your doctor first. Even if you feel better, it’s important to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed by your doctor.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.