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Perjeta Side Effects

Generic name: pertuzumab

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 10, 2022.

Note: This document contains side effect information about pertuzumab. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Perjeta.

Summary

Common side effects of Perjeta include: anaphylaxis, cytokine release syndrome, hypersensitivity condition, and infusion related reaction. Continue reading for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.

Applies to pertuzumab: intravenous solution.

Warning

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

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

References

1. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0

3. "Product Information. Perjeta (pertuzumab)." Genentech (2012):

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