IMPORTANT WARNING:
Pertuzumab injection may cause serious or life-threatening heart problems, including heart failure. Tell your doctor if you have recently had a heart attack or if you have or ever had high blood pressure, heart failure, an abnormal heart rhythm, or heart disease. Your doctor will check your heart function before and during your treatment. If you experience any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor immediately: shortness of breath; cough; swelling of the ankles, legs, or face; rapid heartbeat; sudden weight gain; dizziness; or loss of consciousness.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while you are receiving pertuzumab injection. . You may need to have a pregnancy test before starting treatment. You should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy during your treatment and for 7 months after your final dose. Talk to your doctor about birth control methods that will work for you. If you become pregnant during treatment with pertuzumab injection, or think you might be pregnant, call your doctor immediately. Pertuzumab may harm the fetus.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain tests before and during your treatment to check your body's response to pertuzumab injection.
Talk to your doctor about the risk of treatment with pertuzumab injection.
WHY is this medicine prescribed?
Pertuzumab injection is used with other medications to treat certain types of breast cancer. Pertuzumab injection is in a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. It works by stopping the growth of cancer cells.
HOW should this medicine be used?
Pertuzumab injection comes as a solution (liquid) to be injected into a vein over 30 to 60 minutes by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or medical facility. It is given every 3 weeks. The length of your treatment depends on how well your body responds to the medication and the side effects that you experience.
Pertuzumab injection may cause serious or life-threatening reactions that may occur while the medication is being given and for a period of time afterwards. Your doctor or nurse will watch you carefully while you receive each dose of pertuzumab injection, and for 30 to 60 minutes afterward. Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you experience any of the following symptoms during or shortly after your infusion: swelling of the face, lips, or tongue; shortness of breath; wheezing or trouble breathing; hoarseness; difficulty swallowing; hives, rash; itching; fever; chills; unusual tiredness or weakness; headache; vomiting; unusual taste in the mouth; or muscle pain. Your doctor may need to slow down your infusion, or delay or stop your treatment if you experience these or other side effects.
Are there OTHER USES for this medicine?
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?
Before receiving pertuzumab injection,
- tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this
medication, any part of this medication, or any other medications, foods or
substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms
you had. - tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.
- tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are receiving pertuzumab injection.
What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?
Call your doctor right away if you are unable to keep an appointment to receive a dose of pertuzumab injection.
What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNINGS and HOW sections, call your doctor immediately:
- sore throat, fever, chills, cough, difficult or painful urination, and other signs of infection
- excessive tiredness or pale skin
- rash with blisters on hands and feet
Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking this medication.
Pertuzumab injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?
Your healthcare provider will store your medication.
What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?
Your doctor will order a lab test before you begin your treatment to see whether your cancer can be treated with pertuzumab injection.
Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.
Brand Name(s):
- Perjeta®
- Poherdy®
This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.
AHFS® Patient Medication Information™. © Copyright, 2024. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.
Selected Revisions: February 15, 2026.

