The infusion process
PERJETA is given every 3 weeks as an IV infusion
PERJETA is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion, which means that medication is administered directly and slowly into the bloodstream through a vein.
When you begin treatment, your doctor will start PERJETA, Herceptin® (trastuzumab), and docetaxel at the same time, and may adjust the medicines in your treatment plan over time.
If your doctor stops your docetaxel, you may still take PERJETA and Herceptin. If your doctor delays or stops Herceptin treatment, then PERJETA should also be delayed or stopped.
How long does each infusion last?
Infusion times may vary from person to person depending on tolerability.
After each medication is given, your doctor or nurse will wait 30 to 60 minutes to check for any reactions. If a reaction occurs, they may adjust, delay, or stop treatment.
During your first treatment
The medicines are given more slowly during your first visit. Your first dose of PERJETA will be given as an infusion over 60 minutes. Herceptin will be given over 90 minutes, and docetaxel over 60 minutes.
How long will you stay on therapy?
Docetaxel is given for a minimum of 6 cycles. If your doctor stops docetaxel (for example, due to side effects), you can continue receiving PERJETA and Herceptin. You can stay on PERJETA and Herceptin until your disease is no longer controlled or your side effects require you to stop treatment.
If you doctor delays or stops your Herceptin treatment, then PERJETA should also be delayed or stopped.
Side effects may occur with PERJETA
PERJETA is given together with Herceptin and docetaxel, and side effects may occur.
What are the most serious side effects of PERJETA?
PERJETA may cause heart problems, including those without symptoms (such as reduced heart function) and those with symptoms (such as congestive heart failure).
Receiving PERJETA during pregnancy can result in the death of an unborn baby and birth defects.
Other possible serious and sometimes fatal side effects of PERJETA therapy include:
- Infusion-related reactions
- Severe allergic reactions (hypersensitivity reactions/anaphylaxis)
The most common side effects of PERJETA when given with Herceptin and docetaxel for treatment of breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic) are diarrhea, hair loss, low levels of white blood cells with or without fever, nausea, feeling tired, rash, and damage to the nerves (numbness, tingling, pain in hands/feet).
Side effects may vary based on chemotherapy regimen.
Talk to your doctor about any side effects you experience. Here are some tips you can try.
Remember, the tips mentioned below may not work for everyone. Be sure to talk with your doctor or other healthcare provider before trying any of these tips.
Select side effects associated with PERJETA + Herceptin + docetaxel during metastatic breast cancer treatment
When you have diarrhea, it means you have loose or watery bowel movements that happen 3 or more times in a day.
Some tips you can try:
- Choose nutritious foods, rather than foods that are greasy, fatty, or spicy
- Eat small, frequent meals of foods that are easy to digest, such as rice, applesauce, and canned fruit
- Drink plenty of clear, noncarbonated fluids
- Eat foods high in potassium, such as bananas or potatoes, or drink sports drinks
Hair loss (also called alopecia) may happen on any part of the body. It may happen suddenly or a little at a time, and may cause the hair to become thin, dry, or dull.
Some tips you can try:
- Use a mild shampoo, and try not to wash your hair every day
- Avoid perming, curling, straightening, or blow-drying with high heat
- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to the scalp, or cover the scalp with a sun-protective hat or scarf when outside
Nausea is when you feel sick to your stomach. This can lead vomiting—when you throw up.
Some tips you can try:
- Try relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or thinking of a positive image or scene, to distract you from feeling sick to your stomach
- Choose foods that are nutritious, instead of foods that are greasy, fried, salty, sweet, or spicy
- If the smell of a food bothers you, try cooling it down before eating it
Fatigue is a feeling of being tired or exhausted that may affect your ability to perform normal activities.
Some tips you can try:
- Be physically active each day, if your doctor approves. This may help improve your appetite, strength, and weight
- Participate in activities during the time of day when you have more energy
- Do the most important tasks first
An area of irritated or swollen skin. Many rashes are itchy, red, painful, and irritated.
Some tips you can try:
- Pat the skin dry (instead of rubbing) after a bath or shower
- Leave the rash exposed to the air as much as possible
Be aware that these are not all of the side effects associated with PERJETA. For more information, please review the PERJETA Important Safety Information and the full Prescribing Information.
You are encouraged to report side effects to Genentech and the FDA. You may contact Genentech by calling 1-888-835-2555. You may contact the FDA by visiting www.fda.gov/medwatch or calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
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What does PERJETA treat?
PERJETA® (pertuzumab) is a prescription medicine approved for use in combination with Herceptin® (trastuzumab) and chemotherapy for:
- use prior to surgery (neoadjuvant treatment) in people with HER2-positive, locally advanced, inflammatory, or early stage breast cancer (tumor is greater than 2 cm in diameter or node-positive). PERJETA should be used as part of a complete treatment regimen for early breast cancer.
- use after surgery (adjuvant treatment) in people with HER2-positive early breast cancer that has a high likelihood of coming back.
PERJETA® (pertuzumab) is a prescription medicine approved for use in combination with Herceptin® (trastuzumab) and docetaxel in people who have HER2-positive breast cancer that has spread to different parts of the body (metastatic) and who have not received anti-HER2 therapy or chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer.
What should I know about side effects with PERJETA?
- Not all people have serious side effects; however, side effects with PERJETA therapy are common. It is important to know what side effects may happen and what symptoms you should watch for
- Your doctor may stop treatment if serious side effects happen. Be sure to contact your healthcare team right away if you have questions or are worried about any side effects
What are the most serious side effects of PERJETA?
PERJETA may cause heart problems, including those without symptoms (such as reduced heart function) and those with symptoms (such as congestive heart failure).
- Your doctor may run tests to monitor your heart function before and during treatment with PERJETA
- Based on test results, your doctor may hold or discontinue treatment with PERJETA
- Contact a health care professional immediately for any of the following: new onset or worsening shortness of breath, cough, swelling of the ankles/legs, swelling of the face, palpitations, weight gain of more than 5 pounds in 24 hours, dizziness or loss of consciousness
Receiving PERJETA during pregnancy can result in the death of an unborn baby and birth defects.
- Birth control should be used while receiving PERJETA and for 7 months after your last dose of PERJETA. If you are a mother who is breastfeeding, you should talk with your doctor about either stopping breastfeeding or stopping PERJETA
- If you think you may be pregnant, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately
- If you are exposed to PERJETA during pregnancy, or become pregnant while receiving PERJETA or within 7 months following the last dose of PERJETA in combination with Herceptin, you are encouraged to report PERJETA exposure to Genentech at 1-888-835-2555
What are other possible serious side effects?
- PERJETA should not be used in patients who are allergic to pertuzumab or to any of the ingredients in PERJETA
- Infusion-related reactions: PERJETA is a medicine that is delivered into a vein through a needle. PERJETA has been associated with infusion-related reactions, some fatal. The most common infusion-related reactions when receiving PERJETA, Herceptin, and docetaxel were feeling tired, abnormal or altered taste, allergic reactions, muscle pain, and vomiting. The most common infusion-related reactions when receiving PERJETA alone were fever, chills, feeling tired, headache, weakness, allergic reactions, and vomiting
- Severe allergic reactions: 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. Severe allergic reactions, some fatal, have been observed in patients treated with PERJETA
What are the most common side effects?
The most common side effects of PERJETA when given with Herceptin and chemotherapy as part of an early breast cancer regimen before surgery are:
- Constipation
- Damage to the nerves (numbness, tingling, pain in hands/feet)
- Diarrhea
- Feeling tired
- Hair loss
- Headache
- Low levels of red blood cells
- Low levels of white blood cells with or without fever
- Low platelet count
- Mouth blisters or sores
- Nausea
- Pain in the muscles
- Vomiting
- Weakness
Side effects may vary based on chemotherapy regimen.
The most common side effects of PERJETA when given with Herceptin and chemotherapy as part of an early breast cancer regimen after surgery are:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Hair Loss
- Feeling tired
- Damage to the nerves (numbness, tingling, pain in hands/feet)
- Vomiting
The most common side effects of PERJETA when given with Herceptin and docetaxel for treatment of breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic) are:
- Diarrhea
- Hair loss
- Low levels of white blood cells with or without fever
- Nausea
- Feeling tired
- Rash
- Damage to the nerves (numbness, tingling, pain in hands/feet)
You are encouraged to report side effects to Genentech and the FDA. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to Genentech at 1-888-835-2555.
Talk to a healthcare professional for more information about the benefits and risks of PERJETA.
Please see full Prescribing Information for additional Important Safety Information, including most serious side effects.
If you cannot afford your medication, visit perjeta.com/financial-support for financial assistance information.