Pertuzumab+trastuzumab
About Pertuzumab+trastuzumab
Pertuzumab+trastuzumab is a prescription medicine used to treat certain types of HER2-positive breast cancer, a type of breast cancer that produces too much HER2 protein, causing cancer cells to grow faster. It is used as part of a complete cancer treatment plan to help slow cancer growth, improve treatment outcomes, and reduce the risk of the cancer returning in suitable patients.
Pertuzumab+trastuzumab is given by a trained healthcare professional. It is commonly used together with chemotherapy rather than on its own. Staying well hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and remaining physically active as advised by your healthcare team can help support your recovery during treatment.
Before starting treatment, your doctor will check your heart function using tests such as an echocardiogram or MUGA scan (a heart imaging test) to make sure your heart is healthy enough for treatment. Your heart function will continue to be monitored throughout therapy because Pertuzumab+trastuzumab can occasionally affect how well the heart pumps blood.
Common side effects include tiredness, nausea, diarrhoea, mild skin rash, joint or muscle pain, and infusion-related reactions. Hair loss is usually caused by the chemotherapy medicines that are commonly given with this treatment rather than by Pertuzumab+trastuzumab itself. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop shortness of breath, a persistent cough, swelling of the legs or ankles, severe diarrhoea, fever, or signs of an allergic reaction.
Pertuzumab+trastuzumab can seriously harm an unborn baby. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, tell your doctor before starting treatment. Effective contraception should be used during treatment and for the recommended period after the last dose. If you have a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or lung disease, inform your healthcare provider before treatment so that you can be monitored appropriately.
Uses of Pertuzumab+trastuzumab
Medicinal Benefits
Pertuzumab+trastuzumab helps treat HER2-positive breast cancer by specifically targeting HER2 proteins that promote cancer cell growth. When used as part of an appropriate cancer treatment plan, it helps improve treatment outcomes and supports long-term disease control.
Benefits may include:
- Helps slow or stop the growth of HER2-positive cancer cells.
- Supports improved progression-free survival and overall treatment outcomes.
- Helps reduce the risk of cancer recurrence when used in early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer as prescribed.
- Targets cancer cells specifically while limiting effects on many healthy cells compared with traditional chemotherapy alone.
- Provides effective treatment through injection under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
- Supports long-term cancer management and improves quality of life as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of Pertuzumab+trastuzumab to ensure its safe and effective use.
- Pertuzumab+trastuzumab will be administered by a healthcare professional in a hospital.
- Do not self-administer this medication.
Storage
Side Effects of Pertuzumab+trastuzumab
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Feeling very tired or weak (fatigue)
- Hair loss (alopecia)
- Nausea, diarrhea, or mild stomach upset
- Mild skin rash or itching
- Joint or muscle pain
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Signs of heart problems, such as shortness of breath, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, or swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet
- Signs of an allergic reaction, including hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, and difficulty breathing
- Severe, persistent, or worsening diarrhea
- Fever, chills, sore throat, or other signs of infection
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Have your heart checked regularly: Your doctor will perform heart function tests such as an echocardiogram or MUGA scan (a heart imaging test) before treatment and at regular intervals during therapy.
- Treatment may be paused if needed: If your heart tests show reduced heart function, your doctor may temporarily delay or stop treatment until it is safe to continue.
- Report infusion-related symptoms immediately: Tell your nurse straight away if you develop fever, chills, dizziness, flushing, rash, difficulty breathing, or chest discomfort during or shortly after your treatment.
- Use effective contraception: Women who can become pregnant should use reliable contraception during treatment and for the recommended period after the final dose, as Pertuzumab+trastuzumab can seriously harm an unborn baby.
- Do not miss treatment appointments: Receiving your injections or infusions on time helps maintain the effectiveness of your treatment.
- Keep all monitoring appointments: Regular heart assessments and other follow-up tests are an important part of your treatment and help detect potential problems early.
Drug Interactions
- Anthracycline chemotherapy medicines (e.g., doxorubicin, epirubicin): Using these medicines before, during, or soon after Pertuzumab+trastuzumab may increase the risk of heart problems. Your doctor will carefully plan your treatment schedule and monitor your heart function.
- Medicines that affect heart function (e.g., trastuzumab emtansine): Using these medicines alongside Pertuzumab+trastuzumab may increase the risk of heart-related side effects and require closer monitoring.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known if alcohol affects Pertuzumab+trastuzumab. Please consult the doctor.
Pregnancy
unsafePertuzumab+trastuzumab may cause foetal harm. Consult the doctor if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or if you are planning for pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
unsafeThis medicine may pass into breast milk. Therefore, avoid breastfeeding during treatment and 7 months after the last dose.
Driving
cautionPertuzumab+trastuzumab may cause headache, tiredness or dizziness. Drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
consult your doctorIf you have a history of liver problems, inform the doctor before receiving Pertuzumab+trastuzumab.
Kidney
consult your doctorIf you have a history of kidney problems, inform the doctor before receiving Pertuzumab+trastuzumab.
Children
unsafePertuzumab+trastuzumab is not recommended for children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Follow a heart-healthy diet: Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit foods high in salt, saturated fat, and added sugar to help support your heart during treatment.
- Stay well hydrated: Drink enough water throughout the day unless your doctor has advised you to restrict fluids. Good hydration may help you cope better with diarrhoea, nausea, and general fatigue.
- Eat small, frequent meals: If you have nausea or a poor appetite, eating 5 to 6 smaller meals instead of 3 large meals may help you maintain your nutrition and energy levels.
- Stay physically active if possible: Gentle activities such as walking or stretching may help reduce fatigue, improve mood, and maintain muscle strength. Always follow your doctor's advice regarding exercise during cancer treatment.
- Reduce your risk of infection: Wash your hands regularly, avoid close contact with people who are ill, and inform your healthcare team promptly if you develop a fever or other signs of infection.
- Attend all scheduled monitoring appointments: Regular blood tests, heart function tests, and follow-up visits help your doctor monitor your response to treatment and identify side effects early.
Special Advise
- Avoid becoming pregnant during treatment with Pertuzumab+trastuzumab and for 7 months after the last dose. Talk to the doctor about effective contraception before starting the treatment.
- Consult the doctor if you or your partner become pregnant during therapy.
- The doctor may recommend blood tests before and during the treatment. Regular liver and kidney function monitoring may also be advised.
- Regular heart tests (such as ECG) are recommended for monitoring heart function.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Breast cancer: It is a type of cancer that develops in the breast when the breast cells begin to grow abnormally. Breast cancer may form in lobules (glands that produce milk), ducts of the breast (the pathway that brings milk from glands to the nipple), the fatty tissue or the fibrous connective tissue within the breast. The tumour cells invade other healthy breast cells and can travel to lymph nodes, a primary pathway for the cancer cells to move to other parts of the body. Symptoms of breast cancer include a lump in the breast or tissue thickening which feels different than the normal surrounding tissues, breast pain, redness, swelling, nipple discharge other than breast milk, bloody discharge, unexplained change in shape, size or appearance of the breast, peeling, flaking or scaling of the skin, and a lump or swelling under the arm.
FAQs
Pertuzumab+trastuzumab is used to treat breast cancer.
Pertuzumab+trastuzumab works by stopping the growth of cancer cells and killing them. Thereby, it helps treat cancer.
Pertuzumab+trastuzumab may increase the risk of infections due to decreased white blood cells. Seek medical attention if you notice symptoms of infection such as changes in temperature, muscle aches, feeling unwell, headaches, cold, and shivery.
Do not undergo immunisations with live vaccine whilst on treatment with Pertuzumab+trastuzumab and for 12 months after the last dose. Consult the doctor regarding how long you should avoid live vaccines.
You could lose all your hair, including eyelashes, underarms, eyebrows, legs and sometimes pubic hair. The hair might grow back once the treatment is completed. However, it may be softer, in a different colour, or curlier than before.
Pertuzumab+trastuzumab is administered only by a trained healthcare professional in a hospital or oncology clinic. Depending on the product prescribed, you may receive a fixed-dose injection under the skin (subcutaneous formulation) or separate trastuzumab and pertuzumab infusions into a vein. Your oncologist will decide which option is most appropriate for your treatment.
Usually not. Pertuzumab+trastuzumab is commonly used together with chemotherapy, especially during the initial stages of treatment. Your doctor will decide the most appropriate treatment combination based on your type and stage of breast cancer.
The duration depends on your type of breast cancer and how well you respond to treatment. For early-stage breast cancer, treatment is often continued for about one year. For metastatic breast cancer, treatment may continue until the cancer progresses, unacceptable side effects occur, or your doctor advises stopping treatment.
No. Pertuzumab+trastuzumab can seriously harm an unborn baby. If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning a pregnancy, tell your doctor before starting treatment. If this recommendation feels difficult or upsetting, speak openly with your oncologist, who can discuss family planning and suitable contraception options with you before and during treatment.
Pertuzumab+trastuzumab can affect how well the heart pumps blood in some people. Before starting treatment, your doctor will check your heart function using tests such as an echocardiogram or MUGA scan (a heart imaging test). These tests are repeated during treatment to help ensure it remains safe to continue therapy.
If your heart tests show that your heart function has decreased, your doctor may temporarily pause or stop treatment and continue monitoring your heart. In many cases, treatment may be restarted if your heart function improves and your doctor considers it safe.
Severe or persistent diarrhoea can lead to dehydration and may require medical treatment. Contact your healthcare team promptly if your diarrhoea is severe, lasts for more than a day or two, or is accompanied by dizziness, weakness, fever, or signs of dehydration. Do not start anti-diarrhoeal medicines without medical advice.
There is no known direct interaction between alcohol and Pertuzumab+trastuzumab. However, alcohol may worsen fatigue, nausea, dehydration, or other treatment-related side effects. Limiting or avoiding alcohol during treatment is generally recommended.
Contact your hospital or oncology clinic as soon as possible to arrange another appointment. Receiving your treatment on schedule is important for achieving the best possible results. Do not wait until your next planned visit.
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