Trastuzumab+pertuzumab
About Trastuzumab+pertuzumab
Pertuzumab+trastuzumab belongs to the group of anti-cancer medicines indicated in the treatment of breast cancer. This medicine only works if the cancer is HER2 (Human epidermal growth factor 2)-positive. Breast cancer is the cancer that forms in the breast tissue.
Pertuzumab+trastuzumab contains Trastuzumab and Pertuzumab, which work by locking onto HER2 on the cancer cells. They stop the cancer cells from growing and kill them, helping treat breast cancer.
In some cases, Pertuzumab+trastuzumab may cause side effects, such as hair loss, nausea, anaemia, joint pain, and weakness. Do not be reluctant to talk with your doctor if any of the side effects persist or worsen.
Pertuzumab+trastuzumab is not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The safety and effectiveness of Pertuzumab+trastuzumab in children below 18 years have not been established. Keep the doctor informed about your health condition and medications to rule out any side effects/interactions.
Uses of Trastuzumab+pertuzumab
Medicinal Benefits
Pertuzumab+trastuzumab is used to treat breast cancer. It contains Trastuzumab and Pertuzumab, which are targeted cancer drugs called monoclonal antibodies. Pertuzumab+trastuzumab works by locking onto HER2 (Human epidermal growth factor 2, a protein that makes cancer cells grow and divide). It stops the cancer cells from growing and kills them, thus helping treat breast cancer.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Trastuzumab+pertuzumab
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Anaemia (decreased red blood cell count)
- Arthralgia (joint pain)
- Asthenia (weakness)
- Alopecia (hair loss)
Drug Warnings
Do not use Pertuzumab+trastuzumab if you are allergic to any of its components. Inform the doctor if you have/had heart problems (like heart failure, irregular heartbeats, recent heart attack, uncontrolled high blood pressure), if you have had anthracyclines (doxorubicin or epirubicin) or if you have had radiotherapy to the chest area as they may increase the risk of heart problems. Pertuzumab+trastuzumab is not recommended for use during pregnancy, lactation, or in children. Consult the doctor if you experience symptoms of infection (change in temperature, aching muscles, headaches, feeling cold and shivery and generally unwell), skin/nail problems (raised, red, itchy rash which looks like nettle rash), eye problems (blurred vision, sore, red, itchy, dry eyes or an infection), heart problems (low/high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, feeling confused, dizzy and faint, persistent cough that gets worse at night, a wheeze and fast heart rate, swelling in your legs or tummy, chest pain, and shortness of breath), or lung problems (chest pain, a dry cough, and changes in breathing).
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: No interactions found/established.
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
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Include fruits and vegetables in your diet.
- Avoid fast, fried, processed meats, refined carbs, and added sugar.
- Get optimal sleep; rest well.
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.
