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Pertuzumab

Pronounced

"per-TOOZ-ue-mab"

Common brand names:

Perjeta

Uses

Pertuzumab is used to treat certain types of breast cancer. It is also used to treat early stage breast cancer in patients who will be having surgery to remove the cancer. The types of cancers pertuzumab is used to treat are tumors that produce more than the normal amount of a certain substance called HER2 protein.

This medication is called a monoclonal antibody. It works by attaching to the HER2 cancer cells and blocking them from dividing and growing. It may also destroy the cancer cells or signal the body (immune system) to destroy the cancer cells.

How to Use This Medication

This medication is given by a health care professional. It is injected slowly into a vein as directed by your doctor, usually once every 3 weeks. Your first infusion will be given over 60 minutes.

The dosage, the speed of your injection, and the length of time you receive pertuzumab is based on your medical condition, other treatments you are taking, and your response to pertuzumab treatment.

Infusion reactions may happen during the infusion of this drug. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of infusion reactions such as chills, fever, headache, rash, vomiting, or weakness. Your doctor may give you other medications to help with these side effects or may slow down or stop your treatment for some time.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark the days on the calendar when you need to receive the medication.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

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Information expires December 2025.