Perjeta

Perjeta Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Perjeta is a brand name. Its generic name is Pertuzumab.

Introduction

Perjeta is a monoclonal antibody drug that is used to treat certain types of breast cancer. It is used in combination with other therapies and is the only FDA approved, targeted treatment for metastatic breast cancer. Perjeta works by targeting a protein known as HER2, which is overexpressed in some types of breast cancer.

Uses For

Perjeta is used in combination with other therapies, including chemotherapies, to treat metastatic breast cancer. It is approved for use in patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer who were previously treated with trastuzumab and chemotherapy, as well as those who have not received any prior treatment.

Mechanism of Action

Perjeta works by targeting the HER2 protein, which is overexpressed in some types of breast cancer. The HER2 protein is a component of the ErbB receptor family, which is involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells. Perjeta binds to the HER2 protein and prevents it from being activated, thus preventing cancer cell growth and survival.

How Long Does it Take to Work?

Perjeta takes about two weeks to fully take effect. However, there is no definite timeline, as each patient may respond differently and the effects of the drug are highly individualized.

Absorption

Perjeta is highly bioavailable and is rapidly absorbed after intravenous administration. Peak concentrations can be achieved within 1-2 hours of application. However, the rate of absorption may vary between individuals.

Route of Elimination

Perjeta is eliminated by hepatic metabolism and is cleared from the body via the kidneys.

Dosage

The recommended dose of pertuzumab is 420 mg as an intravenous infusion over 90 minutes, given every 3 weeks. The dose should be reduced by 50% if the patient experiences an infusion-related reaction, or if the neutrophil count is less than 1.5×109/L or the platelet count is less than 100×109/L.

Administration

Perjeta should be administered as an intravenous infusion over 90 minutes. It should not be administered as bolus or subcutaneous injection.

Side Effect

Common side effects of pertuzumab include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, joint pain, fever, chills, rash and fatigue.

Toxicity

Perjeta has a low risk of toxicity and has not been associated with serious life threatening toxicity. However, it is important that patients take extra precaution and contact their healthcare provider if any adverse reactions occur after taking the drug.

Precaution

Perjeta should not be used in patients who have had an allergic reaction to trastuzumab, or in patients who have cardiovascular disease. It is also important to contact a physician before taking this drug if you have liver or kidney problems, or if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any other medications.

Interaction

Perjeta may interact with certain medications, including chemotherapy agents, and some herbal supplements. It is important to talk to a healthcare provider before taking any medications or supplements while taking pertuzumab.

Disease Interaction

Perjeta may interact with certain diseases, such as heart failure, asthma, gastric ulcers, and liver or kidney disease. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about any pre-existing conditions before taking pertuzumab.

Drug Interaction

Perjeta may interact with certain other prescription drugs, such as antacids, antibiotics, and sedatives. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all current medications before taking pertuzumab.

Food Interactions

Perjeta may interact with certain foods, including high-fat foods and beverages, such as dairy products and cocoa. It is important to follow a well-balanced diet while taking pertuzumab.

Pregnancy Use

Perjeta is not recommended for use in pregnant women. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception before taking this drug and for 6 months after the last dose.

Lactation Use

Perjeta is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women . Women of childbearing potential should discontinue breastfeeding before taking this drug and for 6 months after the last dose.

Acute Overdose

There is no specific antidote for an acute overdose of pertuzumab. Treatment should include supportive care such as monitoring of vital signs and fluid levels. Patients should contact their healthcare provider if they experience an overdose.

Contraindication

Patients with a known hypersensitivity to pertuzumab or any other component of the formulation should not take this drug. Additionally, those with severe hypersensitivity to trastuzumab should also not take pertuzumab.

Use Direction

Perjeta should be taken according to the instructions of the healthcare provider. It is given as an infusion over 90 minutes, and the recommended dose is 420 mg every 3 weeks.

Storage Condition

Perjeta should be stored at room temperature, out of direct light and away from moisture and heat.

Volume of Distribution

The estimated volume of distribution of pertuzumab is 0.4 L/kg.

Half Life

The half-life of pertuzumab is 5.6 days.

Clearance

The clearance of pertuzumab is 0.114 L/hr/kg.

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