Womab 420 Injection

Description of Womab 420 (Pertuzumab 420mg) injection  

Pertuzumab is a directed biological anti-cancer agent used in the treatment of HER 2-positive breast cancer contained in Womab 420 injection. It is one of the monoclonal antibodies and its antineoplastic effect is selective to the presence of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) on malignant cells. This targeted modality allows the progression of the disease and decreasing the tumour burden in the affected patient by interfering with aberrant receptor signalling and inhibiting the proliferation and dissemination of tumour cells.

Indications of Womab 420 (Pertuzumab 420mg) injection

The most important signifier of Womab 420 injection is the treatment of the metastatic or early-stage breast cancer that has HER2 and it is usually used in conjunction with trastuzumab and cytotoxic chemotherapy. It is usually given when dual HER2-targeted therapy is expected greater efficacy in comparison to single-agent regiments or when timour control is expected to require intensification.

Mechanism of action of Womab 420 (Pertuzumab 420mg) injection   

Pertuzumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets Domain II region of HER2 receptor of the malignant cells. The interaction inhibits dimerisation of HER2 receptor with the other HER family members, which is a prerequisite of tumour cell survival signalling and growth. The agent blocks the formation of receptor pairs and downstream intracellular signalling suppressing the growth of cancer cells and enhancing immune-mediated cytotoxicity against tumour cells, resulting in a better disease control.

How to consume of Womab 420 (Pertuzumab 420mg) injection  

Pertuzumab should be utilized intravenously by a certified health-care provider under clinical or hospital care. The schedule and dose of the infusion are highly fixed by the oncologist taking care of the patient depending on the body weight, stage of the tumour as well as the tolerance of the patient. It should never be administered by self, the infusion must always be administered under medical supervision to watch out on the possible infusion reactions.

Side Effects of Womab 420 (Pertuzumab 420mg) injection

1. Common side effects

• Fatigue or weakness
• Infusion Fever and Chills
• Mild diarrhea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache
• Injection-site discomfort

2. Serious side effects

• Cardiac dysfunction
• Infusion reactions
• Liver enzyme abnormalities
• Higher exposure to fatal illnesses

3. Rare side effects

• Dermatologic reactions which are severe
• Muscle spasm
• Severe stomach pain
• Stomach ulcer

Safety Advice for Womab 420 (Pertuzumab 420mg) injection

Cardiac examination (eg. Echocardiography or left ventricular ejection fraction) and regular liver and blood tests need to be performed on patients treated with Pertuzumab to identify its side effects in the first place.

Breastfeeding: Interaction with the agent during lactation is not advisable since the agent may be released into breast milk and be dangerous to the baby.

Pregnancy: Pertuzumab is not to be used in pregnant women because of the likelihood of harming a child, contraception should be used with effectiveness.

Alcohol: Intake of alcohol should be limited since it could increase the effect of hepatotoxicity.

Liver: Patients who have a history of hepatic disorders must use Pertuzumab cautiously and with strict medical care as the drug may increase the level of hepatic enzymes.

Lungs: New cough, dyspnea and chest discomfort should be reported as soon as possible.

Kidney: Care should be taken in patients with severe renal failure.

Driving: It is possible that patients feel dizzy or fatigued, in this case the patients should avoid driving     .

Interaction of Womab 420 (Pertuzumab 420mg) injection

• Drug-Drug Interaction :

Aniodarone x Pertuzumab

Use alternative drug because the use of amiodarone will increase the effect of Pertuzumab by P-glycoprotein efflux transporter.

Riociguat x Alectinib

Use alternative drug because the use of Pertuzumab will increase the effect of riociguat by decreasing it metabolism.

Dichlorphenamide x Pertuzumab

The combination should be used with caution as the interaction lowers the levels of serum potassium.

Siponimod x Pertuzumab

It is recommended that clinical vigilance be observed because the combination might increase the risk of infection.

• Drug-Food Interaction:

Food:

Thera is no reported food interaction that is significant however, a balanced diet should be maintained.

• Drug-Disease Interaction:

Lung toxicity:

The treatment plan must be used with a careful attitude in the patients with a history of interstitial pneumonitits because the drug may cause extreme pulmonary fibrosis. The drug should be stopped in case of the confirmed diagnosis of pneumonitis.

Congestive Heart Failure:

The medication must be used carefully in patients having a history of heart disease since consumption of this drug may lower the left ventricular ejection fraction.

Peripheral neuropathy:

The therapy should be administered with care, as it may cause the development of peripheral neuropathy.

Contraindication of Womab 420 (Pertuzumab 420mg) injection

Careful admisiteration of therapy is advised in patients who have a history of cardiac disease, low ejection fraction, or pulmonary disease. There have been reported tumour lysis syndrome, cardiomyopathy and pulmonary toxicity

Dosage of Womab 420 (Pertuzumab 420mg) injection

The dosage depends on the type of cancer, weight of the body and clinical response. Depending on tolerance and efficacy of therapy, the oncologist can modify treatment.

Storage of Womab 420 (Pertuzumab 420mg) injection

Keep under refrigerated (2-8 °C) and light-sensitive conditions. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children.

Missed Dose of Womab 420 (Pertuzumab 420mg) injection

In case of a missed infusion, call the healthcare provider so as to reschedule. Do not give two ties its dose.

Other General Information of Womab 420 (Pertuzumab 420mg) injection   

The long-term treatment can cause fatigue or xerosis, it is necessary to stay hydrated, have a balanced diet, and have frequent follow-ups. Any abnormal symptoms are to be reported immediately by patients and personal guidance provided by the clinician in charge.

FAQs of Womab 420 (Pertuzumab 420mg) injection   

1. Why is heart monitoring important during Pertuzumab therapy?

Due to the possibility of Pertuzumab to diminish cardiac contractility, frequent cardiac assessment helps in the prompt identification of alterations. .

2. Can Pertuzumab be used alone?

Yes, usually, it is used with chemotherapy in order to achieve better results.

3. Does it cause hair loss?

The loss of hair is mostly associated with concomitant chemotherapy and not with Pertuzumab.

4. Is infusion reaction common?

The initial infusion may also produce mild fever or chills but this can be expected to disappear with repeat doses.

5. Can I continue normal activities?
   Yes, expect in the case of grave fatigue or light headedness.

Fact Box of Womab 420 (Pertuzumab 420mg) injection:

References

• Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. p. 1095.
• Pertuzumab [FDA Label]. South San Francisco, CA: Genentech, Inc.; 2012. [Accessed 05 Feb. 2020] (online) Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/125409lbl.pdf