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Pertuzumab + Trastuzumab

Information about Pertuzumab + Trastuzumab

Pertuzumab + Trastuzumab Uses

Pertuzumab+Trastuzumab is used in the treatment of breast cancer.

How Pertuzumab + Trastuzumab works

Pertuzumab + Trastuzumab is a combination of two anticancer medicines. Pertuzumab recognizes and attaches to a protein called human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2). HER2 is abundantly present on the surface of some cancer cells where it stimulates their growth. When pertuzumab attaches to the HER2 cancer cells, it may slow or stop the cancer cells from growing, or may kill them. Trastuzumab binds to HER2 and stops the growth of cancer cells and causes them to die.

Common side effects of Pertuzumab + Trastuzumab

Hair loss, Nausea, Diarrhea, Joint pain, Fatigue
CONTENT DETAILS
Written By
Dr. Lipika Khurana
PGDHHM, BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Rajeev Sharma
MBA, MBBS
Last updated
18 May 2023 | 04:48 PM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Pertuzumab + Trastuzumab

PhesgoRoche Products India Pvt Ltd
₹280000 to ₹5350002 variant(s)

Expert advice for Pertuzumab + Trastuzumab

  • Do not receive any kind of immunization or vaccination without your doctor’s approval while taking Pertuzumab + Trastuzumab.
  • Use contraceptives, and do not conceive a child (get pregnant) while taking Pertuzumab + Trastuzumab. Barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms, are recommended.
  • Drink at least two to three quarts of fluid every 24 hours, unless you are instructed otherwise.
  • You may be at risk of infection so try to avoid crowds or people with colds, and report fever or any other signs of infection immediately to your health care provider.
  • To reduce nausea, take anti-nausea medications as prescribed by your doctor, and eat small, frequent meals.
  • Take anti-diarrhea medication as prescribed by your doctor and eat foods that may help control diarrhea.
  • Avoid sun exposure. Wear SPF 15 (or higher) sunblock and protective clothing.

Frequently asked questions for Pertuzumab + Trastuzumab

Pertuzumab + Trastuzumab

Q. What is the dose of Pertuzumab+Trastuzumab?

Pertuzumab+Trastuzumab is given as a loading and maintenance dose. Your first injection is called a loading dose. This dose is given in a large amount once only. For your second and future injections, you have a smaller amount. This is called a maintenance dose. The loading dose is given over 8 minutes and the maintenance dose over 5 minutes.

Q. How is Pertuzumab+Trastuzumab given?

Pertuzumab+Trastuzumab will be given to you by a doctor in a hospital or clinic as an injection under your skin (subcutaneous injection).<br>a. Injections will be given every three weeks.<br>b. You will get the injection first in one thigh and then in the other and this process continuous.<br>c. Your doctor will make sure that each injection is given in a new place (at least 2.5 cm away from any previous place of injection), and where the skin is not red, bruised, tender, or hard.<br>d. Different places for injection should be used for other medicines.

Q. What do you need to inform the doctor about before being given Pertuzumab+Trastuzumab?

Before the administration of Pertuzumab+Trastuzumab let your doctor know if you are allergic to any medicines, or have heart problems, current infection, fever, or diarrhea.

Q. Can Pertuzumab+Trastuzumab be taken during pregnancy?

This treatment may harm a baby developing in the womb. It is important not to become pregnant or father a child while you are having treatment and for at least 7 months afterwards. Talk to your doctor about effective contraception before starting the treatment.

Q. Does Pertuzumab+Trastuzumab cause diarrhea?

Yes, Pertuzumab+Trastuzumab may cause severe diarrhea and the risk is more in elderly patients (over 65 years). If you get severe diarrhea during the treatment, your doctor may give you medicines to control it. Your doctor may also stop your treatment with Pertuzumab+Trastuzumab until the diarrhea is under control.

Q. How to get relief from diarrhea while on treatment with Pertuzumab+Trastuzumab?

Food items with soluble fiber can help relieve diarrhea as they help absorb excess fluid from the body. These food items include bananas (ripe), oranges, boiled potatoes, white rice, curd, and oatmeal. Diarrhea can cause dehydration in the body, so drink 8-10 glasses of water to avoid dehydration. You can also have soups and juices frequently to hydrate yourself.

Q. Should I avoid any food and drinks while taking Pertuzumab+Trastuzumab?

You can continue with your normal diet unless your doctor tells you otherwise. However, it is advisable to sip water regularly to prevent dehydration, eat small, simple but nourishing snacks every few hours rather than large meals, and suck on hard candy or popsicles to prevent nausea and vomiting.

Q. I am experiencing nausea and extreme tiredness. Is this due to Pertuzumab+Trastuzumab?

Nausea and fatigue or tiredness are some of the common side effects of this medicine. Eat smaller, more frequent meals to reduce the feeling of nausea. Avoid food that is salty, spicy, fried, or fatty. Take plenty of rest and do light exercise daily to keep yourself active and reduce fatigue.

Q. Does Pertuzumab+Trastuzumab cause hair loss?

Yes, while taking this medicine, your hair may become brittle and break. You may also experience patchy hair loss or thinning. These conditions tend to resolve once the treatment is stopped. Be gentle when brushing and washing hair to manage hair loss.

Q. How will you know that Pertuzumab+Trastuzumab is working?

Keep taking this medicine exactly as directed until your doctor tells you to stop. Regular scans will reveal whether your tumor is responding to the treatment or not. Your doctor will determine when those scans should be scheduled.

Q. How to relieve constipation during the treatment with Pertuzumab+Trastuzumab?

To relieve constipation, include fiber in your diet (fruits and vegetables), drink 8-10 glasses of fluids a day, and keep active. A stool softener (with a doctor's prescription) once or twice a day may prevent constipation. If you do not have a bowel movement for 2-3 days, consult your doctor.

Q. I am noticing a change in my taste. How shall I improve my taste?

You may experience a metallic taste or find that food has no taste at all. You may dislike foods or beverages that you liked before receiving cancer treatment. Rinse your mouth with a solution of salt and bicarbonate of soda before mealtimes to neutralize the bad taste in your mouth. You can also add extra flavor or seasonings to your food.

Q. Can Pertuzumab+Trastuzumab cause pain in the joints?

You may experience pain in your joints for a few days after the treatment. If this happens, you can tell your doctor who may prescribe you some painkillers. Never take any over-the-counter painkillers without consulting your doctor while on treatment with Pertuzumab+Trastuzumab. You may try the following tips to get relief from joint pain: a. Place a heating pad or covered hot water bottle against the painful area.<br>b. Take warm baths.<br>c. Plan your activities to include regular rests.

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