Pertuzumab (Perjeta): Breast Cancer Drug Side Effects & Interactions

What is pertuzumab? What is pertuzumab used for?

Pertuzumab is an intravenous drug that is used to
treat breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast (metastasized). It belongs
to a class of drugs called monoclonal antibodies. Other monoclonal antibodies
used for treating breast cancer include trastuzumab (Herceptin) and
ado-trastuzumab emtansine (Kadcyla). The cells of cancers have various receptors
on their surfaces. Chemicals bind to these receptors and cause changes within
the cancer cells. One of the receptors that occurs in about one-third of all
breast cancers is called HER2. HER2 is known to control the growth and
development of the cancer cells and the production of new cancer cells. If HER2
receptors are present in large numbers on the cancer cells (often referred to as
overexpression of HER2), then the cancer cells may multiply and grow quickly.
Normally, the immune system produces antibodies that will detect and attack HER2
receptors to slow the growth of cancer cells However, if HER2 is present in
large amounts, the immune system may be unable to control HER2. Pertuzumab is a
man-made antibody developed using molecular cloning and recombinant DNA
technology. Pertuzumab is thought to block the HER2 receptors when there is
overexpression, thereby blocking growth of the cancer. The FDA approved
pertuzumab in June 2012.

What brand names are available for pertuzumab?

Perjeta

Is pertuzumab available as a generic drug?

Do I need a prescription for pertuzumab?

Yes

What are the side effects of pertuzumab?

Common side effects of pertuzumab include:

Diarrhea
Nausea
Vomiting
Anemia
Stomatitis
Reduced number of white blood cells
Mucositis
Rash
Hair loss
Weakness
Itching
Pain in extremities
Changes in sense of taste (dysgeusia)

Pertuzumab also causes heart failure, infusion reactions, and serious
allergic reactions. Treatment may also reduce the number of red blood cells
(anemia), and reduce the number of platelets and white blood cells. A reduced
number of white blood cells increases the risk for febrile neutropenia and
infections.

QUESTION

A lump in the breast is almost always cancer.
See Answer

What is the dosage for pertuzumab?

Pertuzumab is given by intravenous infusion only.
The initial recommended dose is 840 mg administered as a 60-minute
intravenous infusion, followed every 3 weeks thereafter by 420 mg
administered as a 30 to 60 minute intravenous infusion.
Pertuzumab, trastuzumab, and docetaxel should be administered by intravenous
infusion every 3 weeks for metastatic breast cancer.
For neoadjuvant treatment, pertuzumab, trastuzumab, and docetaxel should be
administered by intravenous infusion preoperatively every 3 weeks for 3 to 6
cycles.

Which drugs or supplements interact with pertuzumab?

The manufacturer has not identified any pertuzumab drug
interactions.

Is pertuzumab safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

Pertuzumab can cause fetal harm when administered to
pregnant
women and should not be administered
during pregnancy.

It is not known whether trastuzumab is excreted in human
milk. Nursing mothers should decide whether to stop nursing or discontinue
pertuzumab.

What else should I know about pertuzumab?

What preparations of pertuzumab are available?

Solution for intravenous infusion: 420 mg/14 mL (30 mg/mL)
single-use vial

How should I keep pertuzumab stored?

Pertuzumab vials should be refrigerated at 2 C to 8 C (36 F to
46 F) until it is used.