Pertuzumab Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 29, 2023.

Applies to pertuzumab: intravenous solution.

Serious side effects of Pertuzumab

Along with its needed effects, pertuzumab 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 Pertuzumab

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?
• How do Herceptin (trastuzumab) and Perjeta (pertuzumab) work together?

Further information

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