We know that fighting breast cancer is not an easy journey. During this journey, you will probably hear about various treatment options. One such modern, targeted therapy is Pertuzumab. We bring this article to help you become aware of this medicine and face the treatment without any fear or doubt in your mind. So today, let's talk about this medicine, what it does, and what things to be careful about when taking it.
What is Pertuzumab?
Simply put, Pertuzumab is a special drug used to treat breast cancer . It is most commonly known in the market as PERJETA.
This is not just any medicine. This belongs to a class of drugs called ``monoclonal antibodies''. Just like our body's immune system seeks out, captures, and destroys disease-causing germs, this medicine is also designed to find cancer cells, attach to them, and stop their growth. That means it is a targeted therapy . Therefore, the damage to healthy cells is relatively minimal. Usually, this medicine is given to you in combination with several other anti-cancer drugs.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment
In order for this treatment to be safe and effective for you, it is essential that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition. Therefore, if you have any of the following, do not hide anything and tell your doctor.
- If you have heart disease or heart failure .
- If you have high blood pressure .
- If you have ever had an irregular heartbeat in your history.
- If you have recently undergone radiation therapy or are currently undergoing such treatment.
- If you have allergies to Pertuzumab or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are trying to get pregnant or think you may be pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
Your safety comes first. Therefore, honestly discussing this kind of information with your doctor will have a major impact on the success of your treatment.
How do you get this medicine?
This is not a pill or capsule that you take home. Pertuzumab is a medicine that is injected into a vein, like saline. We call this an intravenous infusion .
This is given in a hospital or cancer treatment clinic, under the full supervision of a doctor or trained nurse, so you have no reason to be afraid of it.
What if you accidentally take too much medicine?
This is given in a hospital setting so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you feel that you have overdosed in any way, inform the medical staff immediately. Otherwise, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .
What if I miss the day I'm supposed to take the medicine?
It is very important to follow through with your treatment. If for some reason you are unable to attend your scheduled treatment, do not skip it. Contact your doctor or the treatment unit as soon as possible to reschedule.
Special points to be aware of when taking the medicine
Doctors will be constantly monitoring your condition throughout your treatment, but it's important for you to be aware of these things as well.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
This is a very important thing.
- Avoid pregnancy: You should avoid getting pregnant completely while taking this medicine and for 7 months after stopping treatment. This is because this medicine can cause serious harm to an unborn baby. Therefore, you should take a pregnancy test before starting treatment to make sure you are not pregnant. Also, you should use a highly effective form of birth control during this time.
- Avoid breastfeeding: Similarly, do not breastfeed your baby while taking this medication and for 7 months after stopping.
Protect yourself from infections
When taking this medicine, the body's immunity can sometimes be slightly reduced, making it more likely to get sick.
- If you develop symptoms such as fever, cold, or sore throat , do not self-medicate and tell your doctor immediately.
- Try to stay away from places where people with illnesses like colds hang out.
Infusion Reactions
During the first few hours after the medicine is given to the body, you may experience fever, chills, and headaches . Although this is normal, if you experience any of these symptoms, tell the doctor or nurse immediately. They will take the necessary measures.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Pertuzumab can have side effects. Not everyone gets them. But it's important to be aware of them. Let's break them down into two categories.
| Type of side effect | Description (symptoms) |
|---|---|
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
| Serious allergies and heart attacks |
|
| Signs of infection | |
| Other | |
| These are usually not dangerous, but if they persist, tell your doctor. | |
| Digestive system problems |
|
| Other | |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, please inform your doctor.
Are there any problems with other medications?
This medicine does not usually cause major interactions with other medications. However, do not assume that it does. It is important to tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, traditional Ayurvedic medicines, and supplements you are taking, as well as whether you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs. This will help your doctor treat you in the safest way possible.
Take-Home Message
- Pertuzumab (Perjeta) is a special drug that is injected into a vein and targets breast cancer cells.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor all your health information, especially heart disease, high blood pressure, and allergies.
- Extremely important: Avoid pregnancy and breastfeeding completely during treatment and for 7 months after stopping. Effective birth control is mandatory.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, swelling, or fever.
- Do not miss your scheduled treatment dates. If you are unable to attend, call ahead and let the doctor know.
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