Perjeta Side Effects

Generic name: pertuzumab

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 15, 2024.

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.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Your unborn baby could be harmed if you use this medicine while you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant during treatment with this medicine and for 7 months after the last dose. Tell your doctor right away if you think you have become pregnant.

This medicine may cause heart failure. Your doctor will test your heart before you start receiving pertuzumab (the active ingredient contained in Perjeta) The test will be repeated every few months while you are receiving the medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you have chest pain, trouble breathing, rapid weight gain, or abnormal swelling in your ankles or legs. These could be symptoms of heart failure.

This medicine may cause a serious infusion reaction. This can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you have a fever, chills, chest pain, lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, a headache, a rash, pain, nausea, vomiting, trouble breathing, or weakness within a few hours after the infusion.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth after you get the injection.

Cancer medicines can cause nausea or vomiting in most people, sometimes even after receiving medicines to prevent it. If this happens, ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control these side effects.

Serious side effects of Perjeta

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:

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:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to pertuzumab: intravenous solution.

Cardiovascular adverse events

• 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]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• What is TCHP chemotherapy and how is it used?
• How long can you stay on Herceptin and Perjeta?
• How much does Perjeta cost?
• Is Perjeta a chemotherapy drug?
• What common side effects occur with Perjeta?
• How long do Perjeta 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.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer