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Frequently Asked Questions

About PERJETA Access Solutions

PERJETA Access Solutions is a resource for people who take a Genentech medicine. We connect you to the medicine you need.

I Am Concerned About Paying for PERJETA

There may be options to help you get the Genentech medicine your doctor has prescribed. PERJETA Access Solutions can refer you to patient assistance options.

Getting My Medicine

You might not be able to get your Genentech medicine right away. First, your doctor’s office or specialty pharmacy will have to check to make sure your health insurance plan covers your medicine. This is called a “benefits investigation.” They also might have to send some more information before your plan covers your medicine. This is called a “prior authorization.”

Enrolling in PERJETA Access Solutions

  1. You fill out a form called the PAN.
  2. Your doctor fills out a form called the SMN. You do not have to fill out anything on this form.
  3. Your doctor sends both of these forms to PERJETA Access Solutions.

There are 2 ways to fill out the PAN form:

  • You can fill out the form online 
  • You can download and print it to fill out a paper copy

The PAN form lets us discuss your health information with your doctor and your health insurance plan. We can’t work with you without a signed PAN.

You do not need to do anything else, but your doctor does. He or she needs to submit a form called the SMN. The SMN tells us your doctor wants to treat you with PERJETA. Make sure your doctor has sent us the SMN so you get help from us.

You do not need to fill out anything on the SMN form.

My Health Plan Denied Coverage for PERJETA

If your health insurance plan will not cover your Genentech medicine, you and your doctor’s office can file an appeal. Contact your doctor to ask if you should file an appeal.

We have resources to help you and your doctor file an appeal.

We have resources to help you and your doctor file an appeal. You or your doctor’s office has to file the appeal directly with your health insurance plan.

This depends on your health insurance plan. You should ask your plan directly about its process. Sometimes the appeals process is quick. However, it can take several months if you have to appeal several times.

My Insurance Might Change

If your insurance changes while you’re taking your Genentech medicine, call us. We can help you understand your new coverage.

GATCF helps people who don't have health insurance. It also helps people who have health insurance but have trouble paying for their Genentech medicine. If you qualify for GATCF, you could receive your medicine for free.

It is your and your doctor's responsibility to complete and submit all required paperwork to your health insurance plan. Genentech cannot guarantee your plan will cover any treatments.

PAN=Patient Authorization and Notice of Request for Transmission of Health Information to Genentech Access Solutions and Genentech® Access to Care Foundation.

SMN=Statement of Medical Necessity.

Important Safety Information & Indication

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What it Treats

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 stage breast cancer. 
  • use after surgery (adjuvant treatment) in people with HER2-positive early breast cancer that has a high likelihood of coming back.

PERJETA® is approved for use in combination with Herceptin® 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.

Important Safety Information

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

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 enroll in the MotHER Pregnancy Registry by contacting 1-800-690-6720 or visiting http://www.motherpregnancyregistry.com/ and 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. This process can cause reactions known as infusion-related reactions. 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. These reactions may be severe, may happen quickly, and may affect many areas of the body

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 docetaxel as part of an early breast cancer regimen before surgery are:

  • Hair loss
  • Low levels of white blood cells with or without fever
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea

The most common side effects of PERJETA when given with Herceptin and docetaxel following 3 cycles of epirubicin, cyclophosphamide, and fluorouracil as part of an early breast cancer regimen before surgery are:

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Hair loss
  • Low levels of white blood cells with or without fever
  • Vomiting
  • Feeling tired

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

  • Diarrhea
  • Hair loss
  • Low levels of white blood cells with or without fever
  • Nausea
  • Feeling tired
  • Vomiting
  • Low levels of red blood cells
  • Low platelet count

The most common side effects of PERJETA when given with Herceptin and paclitaxel following 4 cycles of dose-dense doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide as part of an early breast cancer regimen before surgery are:

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Hair loss
  • Feeling tired
  • Constipation
  • Damage to the nerves (numbness, tingling, pain in hands/feet)
  • Headache

The most common side effects of PERJETA when given with Herceptin and docetaxel following 4 cycles of epirubicin, cyclophosphamide, and fluorouracil as part of an early breast cancer regimen before surgery are:

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Hair loss
  • Weakness
  • Constipation
  • Feeling tired
  • Mouth blisters or sores
  • Vomiting
  • Pain in the muscles
  • Low levels of red blood cells

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 1-800FDA-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