Pertuzumab (Intravenous)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 17, 2022.
Pertuzumab can result in subclinical and clinical cardiac failure manifesting as decreased left ventricular ejection fraction and congestive heart failure. Evaluate cardiac function prior to and during treatment. Discontinue pertuzumab treatment for a confirmed clinically significant decrease in left ventricular function. Exposure to pertuzumab can result in embryo-fetal death and birth defects. Advise patients of these risks and the need for effective contraception .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Perjeta
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Antineoplastic Agent
Pharmacologic Class: Monoclonal Antibody
Uses for pertuzumab
Pertuzumab injection is used to treat breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. It is used together with other cancer medicines (eg, docetaxel, trastuzumab) to treat patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. The HER2 protein is produced by some breast tumors. Pertuzumab is a monoclonal antibody that interferes with the growth of this protein, which is eventually destroyed by the body.
Pertuzumab is also used as part of a complete treatment regimen for early breast cancer before surgery and as an additional treatment for breast cancer that is at high risk for occurring again.
Pertuzumab is to be given only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.
Before using pertuzumab
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For pertuzumab, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to pertuzumab or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of pertuzumab injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of pertuzumab injection in the elderly.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving pertuzumab, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using pertuzumab with any of the following medicines is..
