Information Leaflet Onherceptin and Pertuzumab
Herceptin and pertuzumab 748
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Information leaflet onHerceptin and pertuzumab
This leaflet provides information for patients having treatment with Herceptin and Pertuzumab. The leaflet will explain what Herceptin and Pertuzumabis, when and how it is given. It will also tell you about common side effects that you may experience. Contact telephone numbers and details of how to obtain further information on Herceptin and Pertuzumab are given at the end of the leaflet.
What is Herceptin and Pertuzumab and why am I having
It?
Yourcancer showed a high level of a substance known as HER-2 (human epidermal growth factor 2). HER-2 is found on the outside of some cancer cells and it stimulates their growth.
Herceptin and Pertuzumabare artificially made antibodies which attach themselves to HER-2. Herceptin and Pertuzumabstopthe cancer cells from dividing and growing.
Herceptin and Pertuzumab appear to have little effect in people who have normal levels of HER-2.
How often will I receiveHerceptin and Pertuzumab?
For this treatment to be most effective, it is given at specific time intervals. It isusual to have Herceptin and Pertuzumab every 3 weeks. The exact number of treatments you will receive will be discussed by your doctor. This is often given alongside your chemotherapy. Your doctor will explain when Herceptin and Pertuzumab will be given.
How often will I see the specialist team?
Yourdoctor will let you know how often you will need to be seen in the outpatient clinic. At each visit the nurse who gives your Herceptin and Pertuzumab will check how you are feeling and discuss any problems you may have. You will have your blood pressure taken before each treatment.
How isHerceptin and pertuzumabgiven?
Herceptin and Pertuzumab is given through a drip into a vein in the back of your hand or arm. If needed, it may be suggested that a fine tube called a PICC is inserted into a large vein in your upper arm. This will remain in place throughout the course of your treatment. Your doctor or nurse will discuss this further with you and we have a leaflet that tells you more about PICC lines, if needed.
Where will my treatment be given?
This may be in one of the day case treatment areas at Velindre or in an outreach clinic, within a hospital closer to your home.
How long will my appointment take?
Your first Herceptin and Pertuzumab isgiven more slowly and wewill observe youafter the infusions to check you are ok. The Herceptin will take 1½ hours to infuse and we will observe you for 2 hours after infusion. The Pertuzumab is given over 1 hour with 1 hour observation. Please allow approximately 6½ hours for both infusions.
Your secondHerceptin and pertuzumab treatment will be given slightly quicker. The Herceptin is given over 1 hour, with 30 minutes observation, and the Pertuzumab is given over 1 hour with 30 minute observation. The total time for treatment will be approximately 4 hours.
If you have no problems during the first two treatments, the followingHerceptin and Pertuzumab treatments will take approximately 3 hours to administer.
However, you will need to allow additional time if this is given with your chemotherapy. You will have a separate leaflet explaining your chemotherapy treatment.
You are welcome to bring someone to stay with you during your treatment. Space is limited in the waiting areas and treatment room so there is not usually room for more than one person. Treatment areas are not suitable for young children.
What are the possible side effects?
Most people tolerate Herceptin and Pertuzumab treatment very well, with very few side effects. However, there are a number of possible side effects which can occur. The doctors, nurses and pharmacists can give you advice or answer any questions you may have.
Heart problems
Herceptin treatment may cause some heart problems. This is rare and the risk of developing serious heart problems is less than 1%. Any problems which are caused by Herceptin will usually get better when Herceptin treatment has finished. Your cancer specialist team will discuss this with you and arrange for your heart function to be tested beforeyou start Herceptin. Your heart function may be monitoredevery 3-4 months for the first year of treatment. We will also check your blood pressure and monitor your weight regularly.
If you already have a heart conditionor you take any heart medication, please tell yourcancer specialist team before you start treatment with Herceptin. If you do develop heart problems whilst on Herceptin, it can be treated with tablets. It is very important not to stop taking any tablets you have been given for heart problems without discussing it with your Velindre doctor or specialist nurse.
If at any time during your treatment you become breathless, develop a cough, experience fluid retention (swelling) in yourarms or legs, or palpitations (heart flutter or irregular heartbeat) please contact your cancer specialist team/ or telephone the chemotherapy pager immediately.
Reactions during the treatment
Most side effects which can occur with Herceptin and Pertuzumab occur at the time the drug is given. This is why the first treatments are given more slowly. A nurse will monitor you closely during the treatment.
If you experience any of the following during the treatment please tell your nurse straight away:
- Feeling hot and feverish
- Chills or shivering
- Headache
- Dizziness or faintness
- Problems with breathing
- Rash
- Feeling sick or vomiting
If any of these occur we will slow down or stop the Herceptin and Pertuzumab until you feel better. The treatment can then start again, usually without any further problems.
Side effects after treatment
Other common side effects you may experience in the first few days after treatment include:
- Diarrhoea
- Weakness
- Skin rashes
- Abdominal pain
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Headaches
- Fatigue
These side effects usually only last a fewdays. Taking a mild painkiller, for example whatever youusually take for a headache, may help. If you feel very unwell or want further advice please contact VelindreCancer Centre. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
The side effects of your chemotherapy will be explained on your chemotherapy leaflet.
Other information
It is important you do not become pregnant whilst having Herceptin and Pertuzumab treatment and for 7 months after. Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for minimum of 6 months following completion of treatment.
Is it ok to take other medication with Herceptin and Pertuzumab?
Herceptin and Pertuzumab can remain in your body for up to 6 months after you finish treatment. During this time you should tell your doctor or pharmacist that you have had Herceptin and Pertuzumab before starting any new medicines.
Sometimes cancer drugs can have very serious side effects which rarely can be life threatening. It is important to inform Velindre cancer centre if you are concerned about any side-effects. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
A diagnosis of cancer can increase your risk of developing a blood clot (thrombosis), and having cancer treatment may increase this risk further. It is important to tell your doctor immediately if you have symptoms such as pain, redness and swelling in your leg, or breathlessness and chest pain.
Blood clots can be very serious. However, most clots can usually be successfully treated with drugs to thin the blood. Your doctor or nurse can give you more information
Manufacturer’s patient information leaflets
Velindre leaflets provide information about very common and common side-effects: for more information regarding the less common side-effects please refer to the manufacturers patient information leaflets, obtained from Velindre pharmacy and/or on the internet at Sometimes patients may find these leaflets difficult to read however. Please ask if you would like a copy from your doctor or from Velindre pharmacy
Contact telephone numbers
Velindre Cancer Centre029 2061 5888
If you are unwell at home and need immediate attention at any time of the day or night ask for the treatment helpline
Pharmacy department 029 2061 5888 ext 6223
Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm for queries about your medicines
Tenovus freephone 0808 808 1010
cancer helpline
7 days a week 8am – 8pm for general queries on cancer
This leaflet was written by health professionals. The information contained in this leaflet is evidence based. The leaflet has been approved by doctors, nurses, pharmacists and patients. It is reviewed and updated every 2 years.
Prepared April 2017
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