Pertuzumab

Uses	HER2 Positive Breast Cancer
Therapy	Anti-Neoplastic
Side Effects	Diarrhoea, Hair Loss, Nausea, Low Blood Counts

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Molecule Description

Pertuzumab is an anticancer medicine which is used to treat a specific type of breast cancer (HER2-positive) in conjunction with other chemotherapy drugs. Common side effects include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, rash, hair loss, and infections such as upper respiratory tract infections. Neutropenia and other blood-count abnormalities may occur, particularly when pertuzumab is given with chemotherapy. Pertuzumab can cause left ventricular dysfunction and heart failure, so heart function is assessed before and during treatment. It can also cause infusion-related and serious allergic reactions. Tell your healthcare team about all medicines you are taking, including supplements and herbal products. Also tell them if you have a history of heart problems or previous treatment with medicines that may affect heart function. This medication is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Both males and females must use effective contraception during treatment to prevent pregnancy.

Uses

Pertuzumab is an anticancer medication used to treat a type of breast cancer known as HER2-positive breast cancer in combination with other chemotherapy agents.

Contraindications

When should one not use Pertuzumab

If you have any allergy to pertuzumab.

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Diarrhoea
Nausea and vomiting
Fatigue and weakness
Hair loss (alopecia)
Rash
Neutropenia and other blood-count abnormalities, particularly when used with chemotherapy
Upper respiratory tract infection
Nasopharyngitis
Stomatitis
Fever
Heart problems: shortness of breath, persistent cough, swelling of the legs, unusual tiredness, or a rapid or irregular heartbeat may indicate heart dysfunction.
Severe infusion or allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, wheezing, swelling of the face or throat, severe rash, dizziness, or fainting.
Severe diarrhoea: particularly if persistent or associated with dehydration.
Severe infection: fever, chills, or other symptoms of infection, especially when given with chemotherapy.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Pertuzumab may harm an unborn baby and is generally not recommended during pregnancy unless your doctor considers it necessary. Women who can become pregnant should use effective contraception during treatment and for the period advised by their doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant during treatment.

Breast Feeding

It is not known whether pertuzumab passes into breast milk. Talk to your doctor before breastfeeding to decide whether to continue breastfeeding or treatment based on the potential benefits and risks. Pertuzumab may have a minor effect on your ability to drive or operate machinery. If you experience dizziness, an infusion reaction, or an allergic reaction, do not drive or operate machinery until your symptoms have completely resolved.

Driving

Pertuzumab may cause tiredness, dizziness or weakness in some people. Avoid driving or operating machinery if you experience any of these effects.

Alcohol

No specific interaction between alcohol and pertuzumab has been established. However, alcohol may worsen symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, or dizziness. Discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

Consult your doctor if you:
Have a history of heart disease, heart failure, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, or previous treatment that may have affected heart function.
Develop shortness of breath, swelling of the legs, persistent cough, or unusual fatigue.
Develop a rapid or irregular heartbeat.
Develop severe diarrhoea or dehydration.
Develop fever, chills, or other signs of infection.
Have previously experienced a severe allergic or infusion reaction.
Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Are taking other medicines, including over-the-counter medicines, supplements, or herbal products.
Heart function should be assessed before treatment and monitored during treatment as directed by your doctor.
Dispose of unused medicine and waste according to local requirements.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Pertuzumab contains pertuzumab, which targets a protein called HER2 found on some cancer cells. It blocks HER2 from connecting with other proteins that send signals telling cancer cells to grow and survive. By blocking these signals, pertuzumab helps slow down or stop the growth and spread of HER2-positive cancer cells.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

Tell your doctor about all the medicines, supplements or herbals you are currently taking or might take to avoid any possible interaction.

Interactions with food items

No specific food interactions have been established for Pertuzumab. Follow any dietary advice given by your doctor or pharmacist during treatment.

Dosage

Overdose

Your doctor or nurse will give Pertuzumab. Therefore, the chances of overdose are very rare. If an overdose occurs, you will be monitored for signs and symptoms of adverse reactions and treated supportively as needed.

Missed a Dose

Your doctor or nurse will schedule and monitor your infusions. If an infusion is delayed or missed, contact your healthcare team as soon as possible. Do not attempt to make up the missed dose yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Pertuzumab is used for management of breast cancer. Your doctor will decide whether it is suitable for your cancer type and stage.

No. Do not stop, delay or change your treatment on your own, even if you feel well. Stopping early can make the treatment less effective. Always speak to your doctor first.

Yes. Your doctor will usually advise regular blood tests and clinical check-ups during treatment to monitor how your body is responding and to pick up side effects early.

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