Monoclonal antibody (targeted cancer therapy)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Pertuzumab (sold as Perjeta in Nigeria) is an injectable cancer medicine that works by blocking a specific protein called HER2 on the surface of cancer cells, stopping them from growing and spreading.
Binds to HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) on cancer cell surfaces, preventing HER2 dimerization with other HER family receptors and blocking downstream signaling pathways (PI3K/Akt and MAPK) that promote cancer cell proliferation and survival. This mechanism complements trastuzumab by targeting a different epitope on HER2, resulting in enhanced anti-tumor activity in HER2-positive breast cancer.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
This is not a tablet — it is given as a drip (infusion) into your vein by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or cancer treatment centre. The first dose is usually 840 mg given over about 60 minutes, then 420 mg every 3 weeks over 30-60 minutes. It is usually given together with another cancer drug called trastuzumab and chemotherapy. You cannot take this at home by yourself.
If you miss your scheduled infusion appointment, contact your cancer doctor or treatment centre immediately to reschedule. The doctor will decide if you need to restart with the higher loading dose depending on how long the gap has been.
This is a specialised cancer medicine — only receive it from a qualified oncologist (cancer specialist) in a proper hospital or treatment centre, never from unverified sources. Your doctor will need to run regular heart checks (echocardiograms) while you are on this medicine. Do not skip your scheduled appointments, as the timing of each dose matters for the treatment to work properly.
Pertuzumab is usually given alongside trastuzumab and docetaxel as a combination — your oncologist manages these interactions carefully. Drugs that can affect the heart (like some blood pressure medicines) may increase the risk of heart problems when combined with pertuzumab. Always tell your cancer doctor about every medicine, herb, or supplement you are taking.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Pertuzumab with your other drugs?
Pertuzumab is NOT safe during pregnancy — it can cause serious harm or death to the unborn baby. Women must use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 7 months after the last dose, and should not breastfeed during treatment.
Perjeta must be stored in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C — this is why it is kept and given in hospitals. Do not freeze it. Do not expose it to direct sunlight or heat. Keep away from children at all times.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
No brand names recorded for Pertuzumab yet.
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.