HER2+ breast cancer resources and information when you need them

HERConnection is a free support program that provides information and resources to help educate and empower people living with HER2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer. You’re invited to sign up and receive important information about Genentech treatments for HER2+ breast cancer.

To get started, select the treatment you are currently receiving:

PERJETA® (pertuzumab) + Herceptin® (trastuzumab)-based treatment

KADCYLA® (ado-trastuzumab emtansine)

Remember, your doctor and your healthcare team should be your primary source of information. Only they can give you medical advice about your disease and treatment.

What does PERJETA treat?

PERJETA^® (pertuzumab) is approved for use in combination with Herceptin^® (trastuzumab) and docetaxel in people who have HER2-positive breast cancer that has spread to different parts of the body (metastatic) and who have not received anti-HER2 therapy or chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer.

PERJETA^® (pertuzumab) is approved for use in combination with Herceptin^® (trastuzumab) and chemotherapy for:

use prior to surgery (neoadjuvant treatment) in people with HER2-positive, locally advanced, inflammatory, or early stage breast cancer (tumor is greater than 2 cm in diameter or node-positive). PERJETA should be used as part of a complete treatment regimen for early breast cancer.
use after surgery (adjuvant treatment) in people with HER2-positive early breast cancer that has a high likelihood of coming back.

What should I know about side effects with PERJETA?

Not all people have serious side effects; however, side effects with PERJETA therapy are common. It is important to know what side effects may happen and what symptoms you should watch for
Your doctor may stop treatment if serious side effects happen. Be sure to contact your healthcare team right away if you have questions or are worried about any side effects

What are the most serious side effects of PERJETA?

PERJETA may cause heart problems, including those without symptoms (such as reduced heart function) and those with symptoms (such as congestive heart failure).

Your doctor may run tests to monitor your heart function before and during treatment with PERJETA
Based on test results, your doctor may hold or discontinue treatment with PERJETA
Contact a health care professional immediately for any of the following: new onset or worsening shortness of breath, cough, swelling of the ankles/legs, swelling of the face, palpitations, weight gain of more than 5 pounds in 24 hours, dizziness or loss of consciousness

Receiving PERJETA during pregnancy can result in the death of an unborn baby and birth defects.

Birth control should be used while receiving PERJETA and for 7 months after your last dose of PERJETA. If you are a mother who is breastfeeding, you should talk with your doctor about either stopping breastfeeding or stopping PERJETA
If you think you may be pregnant, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately
If you are exposed to PERJETA during pregnancy, or become pregnant while receiving PERJETA or within 7 months following the last dose of PERJETA in combination with Herceptin, you are encouraged to report PERJETA exposure to Genentech at 1-888-835-2555

What are other possible serious side effects?

PERJETA should not be used in patients who are allergic to pertuzumab or to any of the ingredients in PERJETA

Infusion-related reactions: PERJETA is a medicine that is delivered into a vein through a needle. PERJETA has been associated with infusion-related reactions, some fatal. The most common infusion-related reactions when receiving PERJETA, Herceptin, and docetaxel were feeling tired, abnormal or altered taste, allergic reactions, muscle pain, and vomiting. The most common infusion-related reactions when receiving PERJETA alone were fever, chills, feeling tired, headache, weakness, allergic reactions, and vomiting

Severe allergic reactions: Some people receiving PERJETA may have severe allergic reactions, called hypersensitivity reactions or anaphylaxis, which may happen quickly and may affect many areas of the body. Severe allergic reactions, some fatal, have been observed in patients treated with PERJETA

What are the most common side effects?

The most common side effects of PERJETA when given with Herceptin and docetaxel for treatment of breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic) are:

Diarrhea
Hair loss
Low levels of white blood cells with or without fever
Nausea
Feeling tired
Rash
Damage to the nerves (numbness, tingling, pain in hands/feet)

The most common side effects of PERJETA when given with Herceptin and chemotherapy as part of an early breast cancer regimen before surgery are:

Constipation
Damage to the nerves (numbness, tingling, pain in hands/feet)
Diarrhea
Feeling tired
Hair loss
Headache
Low levels of red blood cells
Low levels of white blood cells with or without fever
Low platelet count
Mouth blisters or sores
Nausea
Pain in the muscles
Vomiting
Weakness

Side effects may vary based on chemotherapy regimen.

The most common side effects of PERJETA when given with Herceptin and chemotherapy as part of an early breast cancer regimen after surgery are:

Diarrhea
Nausea
Hair Loss
Feeling tired
Damage to the nerves (numbness, tingling, pain in hands/feet)
Vomiting

You are encouraged to report side effects to Genentech and the FDA. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1‑800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to Genentech at 1‑888-835-2555.

Please see full Prescribing Information for additional Important Safety Information, including most serious side effects.

Who is KADCYLA for?

Early Breast Cancer

KADCYLA is a prescription medicine used as an adjuvant (after surgery) treatment for HER2-positive early breast cancer when the patient has taken neoadjuvant (before surgery) treatment including a taxane and trastuzumab (Herceptin^®) and there is cancer remaining in the tissue removed during surgery.

Patients are selected for therapy based on an FDA-approved test for KADCYLA.

Metastatic Breast Cancer

KADCYLA is a prescription medicine used to treat HER2-positive breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic breast cancer) after prior treatment with trastuzumab (Herceptin^®) and a taxane. Prior treatment could have been for the initial treatment of breast cancer or for the treatment of cancer that had spread to other parts of the body.

Patients are selected for therapy based on an FDA-approved test for KADCYLA.

What is the most Important Safety Information I should know about KADCYLA?

Liver problems

KADCYLA may cause severe liver problems that can be life-threatening. Symptoms of liver problems may include vomiting, nausea, eating disorder (anorexia), yellowing of the skin (jaundice), stomach pain, dark urine, or itching

Heart problems

KADCYLA may cause heart problems, including those without symptoms (such as reduced heart function) and those with symptoms (such as congestive heart failure). Symptoms may include swelling of the ankles or legs, shortness of breath, cough, rapid weight gain of more than 5 pounds in 24 hours, dizziness or loss of consciousness, or irregular heartbeat

Pregnancy

Receiving KADCYLA during pregnancy can result in the death of an unborn baby and birth defects. Birth control should be used while you receive KADCYLA and for 7 months after your last dose of KADCYLA
If you think you may be pregnant, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately
If you are exposed to KADCYLA during pregnancy or if you become pregnant within 7 months following your last dose of KADCYLA, you are encouraged to report KADCYLA exposure to Genentech by calling 1-888-835-2555
If you are a male patient with a female partner that could become pregnant, birth control should be used during treatment and for 4 months following your last dose of KADCYLA
You should not breastfeed during treatment and for 7 months after the last dose of KADCYLA

Contact your doctor right away if you experience symptoms associated with these side effects.

What are the additional possible serious side effects of KADCYLA?

Lung problems

KADCYLA may cause lung problems, including inflammation of the lung tissue, which can be life-threatening. Signs of lung problems may include trouble breathing, cough, tiredness, and fluid in the lungs

Infusion-related reactions

Symptoms of an infusion-related reaction may include one or more of the following: the skin getting hot or red (flushing), chills, fever, trouble breathing, low blood pressure, wheezing, tightening of the muscles in the chest around the airways, or a fast heartbeat. Your doctor will monitor you for infusion-related reactions

Serious bleeding

KADCYLA can cause life-threatening bleeding. Taking KADCYLA with other medications used to thin your blood (antiplatelet) or prevent blood clots (anticoagulation) can increase your risk of bleeding. Your doctor should provide additional monitoring if you are taking one of these other drugs while on KADCYLA. Even when blood thinners are not also being taken, life-threatening bleeding may occur with KADCYLA

Low platelet count

Low platelet count may happen during treatment with KADCYLA. Platelets help your blood to clot. Signs of low platelets may include easy bruising, bleeding, and prolonged bleeding from cuts. In mild cases there may not be any symptoms

Nerve damage

Symptoms may include numbness and tingling, burning or sharp pain, sensitivity to touch, lack of coordination, muscle weakness, or loss of muscle function. Your doctor will monitor you for symptoms of nerve damage

Skin reactions around the infusion site

KADCYLA may leak from the vein or needle and cause reactions such as redness, tenderness, skin irritation, or pain or swelling at the infusion site. If this happens, it is more likely to happen within 24 hours of the infusion

What are the most common side effects of KADCYLA?

The most common side effects in people taking KADCYLA for early breast cancer are:

Tiredness
Nausea
Liver problems
Pain that affects the bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons
Bleeding
Low platelet count
Headache
Weakness, numbness, and pain in the hands and feet
Joint pain

The most common side effects seen in people taking KADCYLA for metastatic breast cancer are:

Tiredness
Nausea
Pain that affects the bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons
Bleeding
Low platelet count
Headache
Liver problems
Constipation
Nosebleeds

You are encouraged to report side effects to Genentech and the FDA. You may contact Genentech by calling 1-888-835-2555. You may contact the FDA by visiting www.fda.gov/medwatch or calling 1-800-FDA-1088.

Talk to a healthcare professional for more information about the benefits and risks of KADCYLA.

Please see full Prescribing Information for Important Safety Information, including most serious side effects.

If you cannot afford your medication, visit genentech-access.com/patient for financial assistance information.