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Pertuzumab
Pertuzumab is a type of biologic therapy approved to treat certain types of breast cancer. It should be used in combination with certain other medications; it is not designed to be used by itself. A healthcare provider will give you this medication using an intravenous infusion once every three weeks. Although most people tolerate it well, side effects can occur and include fatigue, diarrhea, and hair loss.
Pertuzumab (Perjeta™) is a prescription medication used to treat breast cancer. It is only approved for certain types of breast cancer, and only in combination with certain other cancer medications; it should not be used alone.
(Click What Is Pertuzumab Used For? for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)
Just like any medicine, pertuzumab may cause side effects. However, not everyone who receives the drug will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well.
If reactions do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are treated easily by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of the pertuzumab/trastuzumab/docetaxel combination include but are not limited to:
- Diarrhea
- Hair loss
- Nausea
- Fatigue.
(Click Pertuzumab Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD