This product contains 3 ingredients: pertuzumab,
trastuzumab, and hyaluronidase. It is used to treat breast cancer.
Pertuzumab and trastuzumab belong to a class of medications known as
monoclonal antibodies. These medications work by slowing or stopping the
growth of cancer cells. This product also contains hyaluronidase, which
helps your body absorb pertuzumab and trastuzumab given by injection under
the skin.
This medication is given by slow injection (over about 5
to 8 minutes) under the skin by a health care professional. It is given as
directed by your doctor in the thigh, usually once every 3 weeks. The
injection site and side should be changed each time to lessen injury under
the skin. The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical
condition and response to treatment.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a
reminder.
See also Warning section.
Redness, irritation, or pain at the injection site may
occur. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, tiredness,
headache, flushing, weakness, trouble sleeping, muscle/joint/back pain,
stomach/abdominal pain, changes in how food tastes, and loss of appetite
may also occur. Nausea and vomiting can be severe. In some cases, your
doctor may prescribe medication to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting.
Eating several small meals, not eating before treatment, or limiting
activity may help lessen some of these effects. If any of these effects
last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Pain or sores in the mouth and throat may occur. Brush
your teeth carefully/gently, avoid using mouthwash that contains alcohol,
and rinse your mouth often with cool water mixed with baking soda or salt.
It may also be best to eat soft, moist foods.
Temporary hair loss may occur. Normal hair growth should
return after treatment has ended.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- easy bruising/bleeding
- bone pain
- numbness/tingling
- mental/mood changes
- chest pain
This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check
your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are
high.
This medication may lower your ability to fight
infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal)
infection or make any infection you have worse. Tell your doctor right away
if you have any signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go
away, fever, chills).
This medication can commonly cause a rash that is
usually not serious. However, you may not be able to tell it apart from a
rare rash that could be a sign of a severe reaction. Get medical help right
away if you develop any rash.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
See also Warning section.
Before using this product, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to pertuzumab, trastuzumab, or
hyaluronidase; or to any trastuzumab deruxtecan, or trastuzumab emtansine
products; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain
inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- current/recent infection
- heart problems (such as heart failure, irregular
heartbeat)
- high blood pressure
- lung problems
- previous cancer treatments (including radiation
treatment)
This medication can make you more likely to get
infections or may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who
has an infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19,
measles, flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection
or for more details.
Tell your health care professional that you are using
this medication before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact
with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine
inhaled through the nose).
To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured,
use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid
activities such as contact sports.
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be at greater risk for loss of
appetite, anemia, numbness/tingling, changes in how food tastes, or heart
problems (such as heart failure) while using this drug.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using this medication. This
medication may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor should order a pregnancy
test before you start this medication. Ask about the use of reliable forms
of birth control during treatment and for 7 months after the last dose. If
you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and
benefits of this medication.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding while using this medication and
for 7 months after stopping treatment.
See also Warning section.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Trastuzumab is very similar to trastuzumab deruxtecan
and trastuzumab emtansine. Do not use a trastuzumab deruxtecan or
trastuzumab emtansine product while using a trastuzumab
product.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as heart function,
complete blood count, blood pressure) should be done before you start using
this medication and while you are using it. Keep all medical and lab
appointments.
It is important to get each dose of this medication as
scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for
a new dosing schedule.
Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital
or clinic and will not be stored at home.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical
emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call
1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).