What is the difference between PERJETA and Herceptin?
PERJETA is given with another targeted treatment called Herceptin. Both treatments are designed to fight cancer cells that have too many HER2 receptors, but in different ways. Since normal cells also have HER2 receptors (just not as many), PERJETA and Herceptin can also affect healthy cells.
How long can you be on Herceptin and PERJETA?
Bottom Line. For the treatment of HER2+ early breast cancer, Perjeta treatment is usually continued for one year (up to 18 cycles) along with Herceptin treatment. These medications are given in the clinic on the same day. You will receive these medicines through your vein by an intravenous (IV) infusion.
Is PERJETA and Herceptin Chemo?
Perjeta (chemical name: pertuzumab) used in combination with Herceptin (chemical name: trastuzumab), another targeted therapy medicine, and Taxotere (chemical name: docetaxel), a type of chemotherapy, to treat HER2-positive, metastatic breast cancer that hasn’t been treated with either Herceptin or chemotherapy yet.
Do you lose your hair with PERJETA?
Hair thinning or hair loss Pertuzumab and trastuzumab do not usually cause people to lose their hair. Any hair loss caused by chemotherapy should be temporary and in most cases your hair will begin to grow back once your chemotherapy has ended.
Is Perjeta chemo or immunotherapy?
Perjeta™ is an anti-cancer (“antineoplastic” or “cytotoxic”) chemotherapy drug. This medication is classified as an “antineoplastic agent and a monoclonal antibody”.
What are the side effects of Herceptin and Perjeta?
The most common side effects of PERJETA when given with Herceptin and docetaxel for treatment of breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic) are diarrhea, hair loss, low levels of white blood cells with or without fever, nausea, feeling tired, rash, and damage to the nerves (numbness, tingling …
Can you be on Herceptin for life?
Treatment with Herceptin generally lasts for 1 year unless side effects become unmanageable. Herceptin is only given as an intravenous (IV) infusion. * There are 3 ways Herceptin can be used: As part of a treatment course including the chemotherapy drugs doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and either paclitaxel or docetaxel …
Do you lose your hair when taking Herceptin?
Your hair may thin but you’re unlikely to lose all your hair. This usually starts after your first or second cycle of treatment. It is almost always temporary and your hair will grow back when you finish your treatment.
Can I drink alcohol while on Herceptin?
Can you drink alcohol while taking Herceptin? No. Consuming alcohol during cancer treatment is not advisable by the doctors. Intake of alcohol, high caffeine, and smoking tobacco during the Herceptin treatment, can increase the risk of cardiotoxicity and other complications in the body.
Does hair grow back while on Herceptin?
Does Herceptin cause weight gain?
Symptoms to watch for include swelling of the ankles or legs, shortness of breath, cough, or weight gain of more than 5 pounds in less than 24 hours. Contact your doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms.
Does Herceptin affect your nails?
Skin and nail problems include a skin rash, dry skin, itching and darker skin. Your nails may also become brittle, dry, change colour or develop ridges. This usually goes back to normal when you finish treatment. Occasionally you might have patches of discoloration from bleeding under the skin (called ecchymosis).
How do people feel on Herceptin?
Herceptin may cause inflammation of the lungs, which can be life-threatening. Symptoms include trouble breathing, cough, tiredness, and fluid in the lungs.