Herceptin/Perjeta Skin Issues?

emily_the_cat

Is anyone else experiencing skin issues from Herceptin/Perjeta? I started getting acne around Cycle 4, which I got under control with clindamycin. Then around Cycle 8, I started having fairly severe eczema on my face, particularly my eyelids and forehead. (I've had eczema on my hands for years, but never on my face before.) It actually doesn't look as bad as you might think, but it's quite uncomfortable.I know that skin issues are common with these drugs, and since the E in HER2 stands for epidermal, that makes sense. But I have months to go, so I'm hoping someone can help me find a way to manage this side effect! I would consider home remedies, homeopathic, or straight up drugs!

Tinkerbells

Hi Emily,

Indeed P causes skin issues. In general, it causes "-itis" or inflammation. In my case, blurry vision, tinnitus and weird white bumps along eyelids. I get patches of eczema in my ears and sometimes on my arms. I am almost done with my year of H and P, and the effects are cumulative, i think. Recently I have been having weird pulling sensations on my back muscles. All in all, it's annoying but tolerable. When I get the eczema what helps me is bacitracin to the area. I got a combination antibiotic/steroid cream for my eyelids from opthamologist. I would ask your onc for a derm referral. If you are at a cancer center ask to see someone in house - they likely will have seen these skin issues related to targeted therapy.

Good luck and hang in there - remember what great drugs H and P are!