Pertuzumab infusion day: given alongside trastuzumab

Pertuzumab is given every three weeks in a day care unit, alongside trastuzumab and, at the start, usually chemotherapy. A typical visit begins with a check of your weight, blood pressure, pulse and temperature, and a review of recent blood tests and how you have been since the last cycle. Your team also checks that your heart scans are up to date. A small tube called a cannula is placed in a vein, or your port or arm line is used if you have one. Pertuzumab and trastuzumab are given one after the other as drips. The first pertuzumab dose is larger and usually runs over about an hour, followed by a period of observation of around an hour, because reactions such as chills or fever are most likely with the first dose. If that goes well, later pertuzumab infusions are shorter, often around half an hour to an hour, with a shorter observation time. On chemotherapy days, anti-sickness medicines and the chemotherapy itself are added, so the whole visit can take several hours. An alternative is a combined injection of pertuzumab and trastuzumab under the skin of the thigh, which takes only a few minutes to give, though you still stay for observation. Once chemotherapy finishes, antibody-only visits are much quicker and many people drive home or return to work afterwards.

The first visit is the longest

Larger first doses and longer observation make the first cycle take more time than later ones.

Chemotherapy days add hours

Anti-sickness medicines and chemotherapy lengthen the visit during the early months.

Later visits get quicker

Antibody-only visits, or the under-skin injection, can be relatively short.

Treatment days are routine for staff but can feel tiring and uncertain for you, especially at first.

Waiting is common

Blood results, pharmacy preparation and busy units can cause delays, so plan for a longer day than expected.

Treatment may be postponed

Low blood counts, infection or a heart scan concern can delay a cycle. This is for your safety.

Reactions can happen

Most infusion reactions are mild and managed quickly, but they can be alarming if unexpected.

What this page cannot tell you

It cannot tell you your unit's exact schedule. Your nurses will explain how your day will run.

How you feel after treatment depends mostly on whether chemotherapy was given that day.

Antibody-only days

Many people feel much as usual, with mild tiredness at most. Driving is often possible, but check with your team first.

Chemotherapy days

Tiredness, feeling sick and loose motions are more likely in the following days. Arrange help at home if you can.

Rest and fluids

Drinking plenty of water, eating small regular meals and taking short walks can help you recover from a long day. Keep the medicines you were given to take home, such as anti-sickness tablets, and use them exactly as your team explained.

Know when to call

Fever, severe loose motions, breathlessness or swollen ankles need prompt contact with your team.