Uses of Phesgo

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1. What are the uses of Phesgo?

The two active ingredients Pertuzumab and Trastuzumab in Phesgo are monoclonal antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies are created in the laboratory to attach to targets found on specific types of cancer cells. The antibody stimulates the immune system to attack the cell it is attached to, resulting in the immune system killing the cell. These antibodies can act in a variety of ways, including stimulating the immune system to kill cells, stop cell growth, or other functions necessary for cell growth.
Two active ingredients Pertuzumab and Trastuzumab target HER2-positive cancer cells. HER2 receptors on cells send signals to the cell to grow and divide. HER2-overexpressing cancers have too many receptors, causing cells to grow and divide more quickly. By inhibiting HER2, signals are sent to these cells with the effect of slowing their growth.
Hyaluronidase is an Endoglycoside that helps with the absorption of Pertuzumab and Trastuzumab.

2. How to use Phesgo?

Phesgo is injected under the skin of the thigh for a few minutes. The dosage of each drug and the duration of its use will be determined by the treating physician. Typically, Phesgo is given every 3 weeks and can be given along with other chemotherapy. Because Phesgo is only indicated for the treatment of HER2-positive cancers, a sample of your tumor will be tested in a laboratory to determine if it is HER2-positive before treatment begins.
In some cases, a person may have an allergic reaction to Phesgo . You will be closely monitored during and after the injection. The injection site of Phesgo is also often swollen, red, and painful. If you start to experience dizziness, nausea, chills, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, trouble breathing or chest pain while taking this medicine, you should tell your doctor right away.

3. Undesirable effects of Phesgo

There are several things you can do to control side effects of Phesgo . Here are some of the most common or important side effects of Phesgo:
3.1. Heart problems Phesgo may cause heart problems or worsen pre-existing heart problems, including congestive heart failure. Your doctor will order monitoring your heart function using echocardiography or MUGA scans before starting treatment, and every few months during and after treatment.
Heart problems may get worse when Phesgo is used together with Anthracyclines or if Anthracyclines are used after treatment with this medicine. Some signs that suggest heart problems are as follows: Pain or tightness in the chest, pain in the left arm, back or jaw, sweating, shortness of breath, rough skin, nausea, dizziness or lightheadedness.
3.2. Lung problems Phesgo can cause problems with your lungs, including swelling, drainage, or scarring in your lungs. If you start to have any new or worsening shortness of breath, shortness of breath, cough, or fever, these are signs to watch out for.
3.3. Problems affecting the general condition Some people after taking Phesgo may experience chills, fever, dizziness, nausea, rash, flushing, vomiting and diarrhea. More commonly, after injecting Phesgo, the injection site may be red or painful. Your doctor may prescribe medications such as Acetaminophen or Diphenhydramine to reduce the above reaction.
Symptomatic signs of a serious reaction include difficulty breathing, wheezing, low blood pressure and increased heart rate. You should notify your treating doctor immediately if you develop any of the associated symptoms.
3.4. Feeling very tired Fatigue is a common response to cancer treatment and is a feeling of exhaustion that often doesn't go away with rest. During cancer treatment and for a while afterward, you may need to readjust your daily routine to manage fatigue. You need to plan time to rest during the day, exercise can help fight fatigue.
3.5. Low white blood cell count White blood cells play a very important role in fighting infections. While being treated, your white blood cell count may drop, putting you at higher risk of infection. You should tell your treating doctor or other medical professionals immediately if, after taking Phesgo, you develop a fever of 38°C or higher accompanied by a feeling of sore throat or cold, shortness of breath, cough, heat burning when urinating or pain that does not go away for a long time.

4. Effects of drugs on fertility

Exposure to Phesgo to the fetus can cause birth defects, so you should not become pregnant while being treated with this medicine. Use of effective birth control is necessary during treatment and for at least 7 months after treatment. Even if your period has stopped, you can still be fertile and conceive. If you become pregnant during treatment or within 7 months after your last dose, you should contact your treating doctor immediately.

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Reference source: Oncolink.org