allergic reaction to perjeta

marionkluges

i went for my third injection of perjeta and had an allergic reaction. couldn't breathe  face started going numb.   saw oncologist and she said I developed sensitivity to the drug  so now its the Herceptin and taxol. she wants to find another drug to replace the perjeta.  I dont think I want to do this anymore. I have read some comments about the Herceptin. and its very scary all these happenings. (after the perjeta they gave me so much saline my feet and legs were swollen for days) on top of all this in the beginning they couldn't access the port. this is the 2nd time.    I think I will just take my chances and stop all treatment. its not worth feeling like crap all the time, and worrying about allergic reactions. thats the worse feeling.

WC3

What pre meds do you get?

I got IV Benadryl and three days of dexamethasone. The Benadryl to prevent an allergic reaction and the dexamethasone for a few reasons...to prevent an allergic reaction, to help with nausea and to prevent severe swelling in my feet due to the taxotere...though the dexamethasone seemed to make my feet swell a little (I determine this because there were instances where I took the dexamethasone and then my infusion was delayed at the last minute). I was originally scheduled for IV fluids a few days before my infusions but I didn't need them as I was able to keep my hydration up so my MO let me cancel those.

marionkluges

yes they gave me Benadryl but not until I get the Herceptin and with the taxol,  steroids. the  last 2 times with the perjeta I dont think I got the Benadryl first & zantac, Tylenol. they were giving me a shot for nausea but I stopped that a few treatments ago as it left a lump for a few weeks and I wasn't getting nauseated. I do have the zolfran pills at home my feet swelled because after the allergic reaction they gave me 2 great big bags of salne. (I guess to get the perjeta out of my system) my oncologist wants me to take another drug  along with the Herceptin and taxol with next treatment. im scared to have another reaction. they give these drugs not knowing anything. I called and told her I am stopping all treatment. called surgeon told him I want the port out.(it has given me nothing but problems since it was put in) one my daughters is a registered nurse and doesnt want me to take this stuff. poison she tells me and shes right, plus after treatments they want to do radiation and then 10 years on some kind of pill. im 68 yrs old. I was stage one(2 cent lump)had lumpectomy,didnt spread to lymph nodes thank goodness. all this I feel is just to much.   im always tired, I get diarrhea from the taxol, cant sleep from the steroids,etc. im sure you have experienced this. im just sick of it and scared

windingshores

You are stage 1 but apparently HER2+.  That always means Herceptin and chemo. Can you investigate taking the Herceptin without another med? Or try another med once?  I also react to many meds and cannot do certain treatments, so I understand. Even 2mg of steroids makes my heart go crazy. I also react to Benadryl!

If you do take the daily pill for hormonal treatment, be aware that some manufacturers make the meds with fewer or better fillers. Teva, Accord and Roxane are apparently good ones. I cannot take any generics for Femara or Arimidex and take brand name Femara at great cost. Yes there are side effects but for me, it is better than being dead.

We are the same age.  If I were you I would try to do whatever your body can handle. I would do things that are unpleasant, but not things that are impossible- basically. But that's me.

NotVeryBrave

I'm sorry that you had such a scary reaction. I'm a nurse and I'm guessing they gave you so much IV fluids to stabilize your blood pressure during the episode. It's scary for them, too.

I did okay with TCHP for all six rounds - but there were some problems and I really considered quitting after round three. But I had the chemo before surgery and I had NO cancer left at surgery! It's quite effective for most people.

That said - your side effects are important. Your quality of life is important. Your doctors should be able to tweak your medications (both the premeds and the chemo ones) to make things better.

I stuck it out because I knew I'd kick myself if I didn't do what was recommended and had a recurrence. I'm currently not on any hormonal medication and should be. That bothers me, but it was an educated choice. And I may change my mind again.

Perjeta is a fairly recent addition. Many people don't get it. I only had it for the first six rounds and had worsening diarrhea each time. Maybe try just not getting the Perjeta?

marionkluges

yes I am triple positive stage 1. and no not on any pills,etc. estrogen fed so cant take any hormones.  I had the mammo,biopsy in july. aug had the lumpectomy. didnt get the port til octas skeptical on chemo. had the doxorubicin (red med) got nauseated and the dr stopped it.  then went onto taxol Herceptin every three weeks the perjeta.  until last week wit the reaction to the perjeta. now new med and I dont even want to think about it. it scares the hell out of you and ye I know thr nurses at the infusion center on there in case but what happens if nothing works? I know I fear the worse all the time, but thats the way I am. especially for the unknown. all these meds are poison to begin with. and to get infused while my mind is racing about what ifs is a bad thing.  but thanks for all your input