Pertuzumab is used together with other medicines to treat cancer of the breast.
This medicine is used for those who have been identified to have “HER2-positive” form of breast cancer.
Pertuzumab injection is to be given intravenously (into the vein). It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your disease.
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.
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.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease
- previous chemotherapy using anthracycline drugs
- 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. 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.
Your doctor will perform a test to determine if you have the “HER2-positive” form of breast cancer before treatment to know if this medicine is suitable for you.
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.
- Pregnancy tests must 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.
- Regular monitoring of signs of skin reactions or infusion-related reactions may also be needed after each administration.
Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Pertuzumab may cause any of the following side effects: fever, headache, tiredness, weakness, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, indigestion, abnormal taste, hair loss, rash, nail problems, dry skin, cough, difficulty sleeping, increased flow of tears, decreased appetite, muscle or joint pain, and numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- severe diarrhoea
- shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles or legs, abnormal heartbeat
This medicine may cause the level of your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets 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.
Platelets help your blood to clot when there is a cut in the skin. A fall in the level of your platelets may put you at risk of bleeding more than usual. Do not take part in activities where you may fall or get injured, such as contact sports. Inform your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises, especially if the bruises appeared on their own) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).
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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