Skip to main navigation
Skip to main content
Skip to footer
For
Medicare
For
Providers
For
Brokers
For
Employers
Español
For Individuals & Families:
For Individuals & Families
Medical
Dental
Other Supplemental
Explore coverage through work
How to Buy Health Insurance
Types of Dental Insurance
Open Enrollment vs. Special Enrollment
See all topics
Shop for Medicare plans
Member Guide
Find a Doctor
Log in to myCigna
Home
Knowledge Center
Wellness Library
pertuzumab
pertuzumab
What is the most important information I should know about pertuzumab?
What is the most important information I should know about pertuzumab?
Pertuzumab can cause birth defects or death to the unborn baby. Do not use if you are pregnant. Avoid getting pregnant while using this medicine and for at least 7 months after your last dose.
Pertuzumab can cause life-threatening heart problems. Call your doctor at once if you have new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, or swelling in your lower legs.
What is pertuzumab?
What is pertuzumab?
Pertuzumab is used together with other medicines (trastuzumab and docetaxel) to treat HER2-positive breast cancer.
Pertuzumab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving pertuzumab?
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving pertuzumab?
You should not use pertuzumab if you are allergic to it, or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- heart disease, congestive heart failure, heart rhythm disorder;
- untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension);
- a heart attack; or
- radiation treatment in your chest area.
Do not use pertuzumab if you are pregnant. It can cause birth defects or death to the unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using pertuzumab with trastuzumab, and for at least 7 months after your treatment ends. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of pertuzumab on the baby.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using pertuzumab with trastuzumab, and for up to 7 months after your last dose. Ask your doctor about any risk.
How is pertuzumab given?
How is pertuzumab given?
Pertuzumab is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Pertuzumab is usually given once every 3 weeks. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Pertuzumab can cause life-threatening heart problems. Your heart function may need to be checked before you start using pertuzumab and during your treatment.
What happens if I miss a dose?
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your pertuzumab injection.
What happens if I overdose?
What happens if I overdose?
Since this medication is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.
What should I avoid while receiving pertuzumab?
What should I avoid while receiving pertuzumab?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
What are the possible side effects of pertuzumab?
What are the possible side effects of pertuzumab?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Some side effects may occur during the injection. Tell your caregiver right away if you feel weak, tired, or nauseated, or if you have a fast heartbeat, headache, fever, chills, muscle pain, or an unusual taste in your mouth.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- dizziness, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
- new or worsening cough or shortness of breath;
- swelling in your lower legs;
- low blood cell counts --fever, chills, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed; or
- signs of tumor cell breakdown --confusion, weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, fast or slow heart rate, decreased urination, tingling in your hands and feet or around your mouth.
Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.
Common side effects are more likely to occur, such as:
- nausea, diarrhea;
- temporary hair loss;
- fever, low blood cell counts;
- tiredness;
- rash; or
- numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands or feet.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect pertuzumab?
What other drugs will affect pertuzumab?
Other drugs may affect pertuzumab, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Where can I get more information?
Where can I get more information?
Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about pertuzumab.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
<cipublic-spinner variant="large"><span>Loading…</span></cipublic-spinner>