Pertuzumab injection

What is this medicine?

PERTUZUMAB (per TOOZ ue mab) is a monoclonal antibody. It is used to treat breast cancer.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• breathing problems

• chest pain or palpitations

• dizziness

• feeling faint or lightheaded

• fever or chills

• skin rash, itching or hives

• sore throat

• swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• swelling of the legs or ankles

• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• hair loss

• nausea, vomiting

• tiredness

What may interact with this medicine?

Interactions are not expected.

Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• heart disease

• heart failure

• high blood pressure

• history of irregular heart beat

• recent or ongoing radiation therapy

• an unusual or allergic reaction to pertuzumab, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your doctor tells you to stop.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine or for 7 months after stopping it. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. Women of child-bearing potential will need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this medicine. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine or for 7 months after stopping it.

Women must use effective birth control with this medicine.

Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

You may experience fever, chills, and headache during the infusion. Report any side effects during the infusion to your health care professional.