Pertuzumab
Pertuzumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets the HER2 protein, blocking its interaction with other HER family receptors to slow cancer cell growth. It is used to treat patients with HER2-positive cancers, particularly breast cancer, typically in combination with other therapeutic agents.
A targeted HER2 inhibitor monoclonal antibody used for HER2-positive cancers.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L01FD02
- RxNorm
- 1298944
- Generic
- Pertuzumab
- Class
- atc-l01
- Brands
- Perjeta, Phesgo
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 420mg every 3 weeks
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 3 weeks (after initial 840mg loading dose)
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- Not established for pediatric use
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- N/A
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 420mg every 3 weeks
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 3 weeks (after initial 840mg loading dose)
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
6 groupspregnancy
generalavoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks to the fetus
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingnot recommended
discontinue breastfeeding during treatment and for at least 7 months after last dose
monitor infant for signs of exposure
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyno specific dose adjustment required
use with caution due to increased risk of cardiac adverse events
regular cardiac function monitoring including LVEF assessments
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsnot established
not recommended for pediatric use due to limited safety and efficacy data
no specific pediatric monitoring guidelines established
renal_impairment
moderate to severeno dose adjustment needed for mild to moderate impairment
use with caution in severe renal impairment due to limited data
standard monitoring as no significant changes expected
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno formal dose recommendation established
use with caution in hepatic impairment due to limited clinical data
monitor liver function tests regularly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Initial FDA approval for metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer
Drug class
Antineoplastic agent classification
Common uses
Approved therapeutic indications
Mechanism of action
Pharmacodynamic mechanism
Treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer, including metastatic disease and early-stage disease in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings, typically administered with trastuzumab and chemotherapy.
Binds to the extracellular dimerization domain of HER2, preventing ligand-dependent heterodimerization with other HER family receptors (EGFR, HER3, HER4), thereby inhibiting downstream signaling pathways that promote cancer cell proliferation and survival.
Administered intravenously. May cause infusion-related reactions, cardiac toxicity, or other adverse effects. Requires HER2 testing prior to treatment initiation. Used as part of combination regimens; continue reading for complete safety information.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy