Pertuzumab and Trastuzumab are combined in this medicine.
This medicine is used together with other medicines to treat patients who have been identified to have "HER2-positive" breast cancer.
Pertuzumab + Trastuzumab is to be injected subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the thigh).
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition, effectiveness of the therapy, and your tolerability to this medicine.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Pertuzumab + Trastuzumab.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Do not use this medicine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to Pertuzumab, Trastuzumab, or any of its ingredients.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart problems
- lung problems
- previous chemotherapy using anthracyclines (cancer medicine)
- previous radiotherapy to the chest area
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with Pertuzumab + Trastuzumab. You must use proven birth control methods during therapy and for 7 months after stopping the treatment. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Assessment for the presence of "HER2-positive" form of breast cancer is needed before treatment to check for the appropriateness of this medicine.
- Evaluation of pregnancy status may be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to use.
- Routine tests of heart function may be done before therapy and while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs of allergic reactions, heart and lung problems may also be needed while you are being treated with this medicine.
Pertuzumab + Trastuzumab may cause dizziness or injection-related reactions (e.g. headache, chills). If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: diarrhoea, nausea, constipation, abnormal taste, indigestion, vomiting, stomach pain, increased flow of tears, weakness, fever, decreased appetite, muscle or joint pain, numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet, difficulty sleeping, hair loss, nail problems, dry or itchy skin, hot flushes, nose bleeds, and pain at the injection site.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs and symptoms of allergic reactions e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- signs and symptoms of heart problems e.g. abnormal heartbeat, shortness of breath, swelling of legs or arms
- severe diarrhoea
- signs and symptoms of lung problems e.g. cough, difficulty breathing, discomfort when breathing in or out, extreme tiredness
This medicine may cause the level of your red blood cells and white blood cells to drop.
Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.
White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Inform your doctor if you have a fever, or a cough or flu that does not go away.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. Protect from light. Do not allow to freeze. If frozen, this medicine will become ineffective and should not be used.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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