Perjeta Side Effects

Generic name: pertuzumab

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 7, 2023.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Perjeta Side Effects associated with pertuzumab. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Perjeta.

Applies to pertuzumab: intravenous solution.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Intravenous route (solution)

Pertuzumab can result in subclinical and clinical cardiac failure manifesting as decreased left ventricular ejection fraction and congestive heart failure.

Evaluate cardiac function prior to and during treatment.

Discontinue pertuzumab treatment for a confirmed clinically significant decrease in left ventricular function.

Exposure to pertuzumab can result in embryo-fetal death and birth defects.

Advise patients of these risks and the need for effective contraception.

Serious side effects of Perjeta

Along with its needed effects, pertuzumab (the active ingredient contained in Perjeta) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking pertuzumab:

More common

• black, tarry stools
• burning, numbness, tingling, or painful sensations
• chills
• cough
• fast heartbeat
• fever
• hives, itching, or rash
• hoarseness
• joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
• lower back or side pain
• painful or difficult urination
• pale skin
• redness of the skin
• sore throat
• swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet
• tightness in the chest
• troubled breathing or swallowing
• ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth
• unsteadiness or awkwardness
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet

Other side effects of Perjeta

Some side effects of pertuzumab may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• body aches or pain
• change in taste
• cracked lips
• decreased appetite
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• dry skin
• ear congestion
• hair loss or thinning of the hair
• headache
• loosening of the fingernails
• loss of taste
• loss of voice
• nasal congestion
• nausea
• redness or soreness around the fingernails
• runny nose
• sneezing
• vomiting
• watering of the eyes

For healthcare professionals

Applies to pertuzumab: intravenous solution.

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Left ventricular dysfunction (including congestive heart failure)^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Alopecia (61%), rash (34%), nail disorder (23%), pruritus (14%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dry skin, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Diarrhea (67%), nausea (42%), mucositis/mucosal inflammation (28%), constipation (25%), vomiting (24%), stomatitis (19%), dyspepsia (12%)^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Neutropenia (53%), anemia (23%), leucopenia (20%), febrile neutropenia (13%)^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Very common (10% or more): Hypersensitivity/anaphylactic reaction, infusion reaction/cytokine release syndrome^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Decreased appetite (29%)^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Myalgia (24%), arthralgia (15%), pain in extremity (15%)^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Peripheral neuropathy (21%), headache (21%), dysgeusia (18%), peripheral sensory neuropathy (14%), dizziness (13%)^[Ref]

Ocular

• Very common (10% or more): Increased lacrimation (14%)^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Very common (10% or more): Insomnia (13%)^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Cough (21%), upper respiratory tract infection (17%), dyspnea (16%), nasopharyngitis (13%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Paronychia, pleural effusion, epistaxis
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Interstitial lung disease^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Fatigue (38%), peripheral edema (30%), asthenia (30%), pyrexia (19%), pain
• Common (1% to 10%): Chills^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• How long can you stay on Herceptin and Perjeta?
• How much does Perjeta cost?
• Is Perjeta a chemotherapy drug?
• What are the common side effects?
• How long do the infusions last?
• How do Herceptin (trastuzumab) and Perjeta (pertuzumab) work together?

Further information

Perjeta side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer