PHESGO
Used for Cancer
NowPatient helps you obtain your PHESGO prescription for free or at low-cost. Drug savings programs are suitable for individuals who are insured, don't have insurance or are underinsured and can't afford your medicine.
Manufactured by Genentech, Inc.
*You can pay as little as $0 per fill using Drug Coupons or Patient Assistance Programs. Subject to applicability & eligibility requirements.
This content is intended for US audiences only
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PHESGO key facts
What is PHESGO?
PHESGO is the brand name for a subcutaneous injection that contains pertuzumab, trastuzumab, and hyaluronidase or hyaluronidase-zzxf.
What dosages is PHESGO available in?
PHESGO is available as a single dose vial containing one of the following:
- 1,200 mg pertuzumab, 600 mg trastuzumab, and 30,000 units hyaluronidase/15 mL (80 mg, 40 mg, and 2,000 units/mL)
- 600 mg pertuzumab, 600 mg trastuzumab, and 20,000 units hyaluronidase/10 mL (60 mg, 60 mg, and 2,000 units/mL)
What is PHESGO used for?
PHESGO is a combination medication used to treat HER2-positive breast cancers, together with other chemotherapy.
How does PHESGO work?
PHESGO is a combination of three medications. Pertuzumab and trastuzumab are monoclonal antibodies that act as a human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) inhibitor. It blocks a specific protein in the body that’s important for cell growth called HER2. HER2 is found on both normal and cancer cells. Cancer cells usually have more HER2 proteins than normal cells. This can cause cancer cells to grow more quickly than normal cells. When HER2 is blocked by PHESGO, cancer cells can’t grow and spread as well.
Hyaluronidase is a protein that helps your body absorb pertuzumab and trastuzumab better when injected under the skin.
How do I take PHESGO?
PHESGO is given by a healthcare provider as an injection under the skin on the thigh. After the first dose, it’s given once every 3 weeks.
- For the first dose, you’ll get 1,200 mg of pertuzumab, 600 mg of trastuzumab, and 30,000 units of hyaluronidase
- For all other doses, you’ll get 600 mg of pertuzumab, 600 mg of trastuzumab, and 20,000 units of hyaluronidase
Is it safe for me to take PHESGO?
PHESGO is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you have a known hypersensitivity to
pertuzumab, or trastuzumab, or hyaluronidase, or to any of its excipients.
PHESGO Common Side Effects
Common side effects of PHESGO:
- Hair loss
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Physical weakness
- Tiredness
- Mouth sores or inflammation
- Joint or muscle pain
- Constipation
- Vomiting
PHESGO Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with PHESGO. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Heart problems: chest pain, racing heartbeat, shortness of breath that usually worsens with activity or while lying flat, swelling of your legs or feet, sudden weight gain, fatigue
- Serious allergic reactions: trouble breathing, itching or hives, flushing, swelling, chest pain, fast heartbeat, dizziness
- Lung problems: shortness of breath, trouble breathing
- Serious infections (when receiving together with chemotherapy): repeated fevers, chills, sweating, cough, trouble breathing, severe diarrhea, vomiting, painful or frequent urination
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on PHESGO
The following medications may interact with PHESGO:
- Patients who receive anthracycline after stopping PHESGO may be at increased risk of cardiac dysfunction because of PHESGO’s long washout period. If possible, avoid anthracycline-based therapy for up to 7 months after stopping PHESGO. If anthracyclines are used, carefully monitor the patient’s cardiac function
Who makes PHESGO?
Genentech, Inc.
Is PHESGO safe in pregnancy?
PHESGO can cause harm to your unborn baby when administered during pregnancy. You should take a pregnancy test prior to the initiation of PHESGO. Females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for
7 months following the last dose of PHESGO.
The FDA's medical product safety reporting program for health professionals, patients and consumers.
Learn more about reporting side effects in the USDrug Savings Guide
A practical guide to saving money and receiving support with prescription costs
How can NowPatient help me to lower the cost of my PHESGO prescription?
After you create a FREE account with NowPatient, you will have access to 4 programs that can help lower the cost of your PHESGO prescription
Applicability to each program will be dependent on your insurance status.
How do the NowPatient PHESGO savings programs work?
After you have created your FREE account with NowPatient, you can access the various programs from your account dashboard. Each program has clear instructions on how to check your eligibility. You can see how the process works by clicking on the feature link below and seeing the ‘How it works’ steps.
Drug Coupon and Patient Assistance Programs require an eligibility quiz to be completed.
Are the NowPatient PHESGO savings programs suitable for everyone, regardless of insurance status?
No. Each program has its own eligibility and applicability requirements. The table below shows if a program is available to you, based on your insurance status.
| Rx Advantage Card* for PHESGO | Canadian Prescription Savings* for PHESGO | PHESGO Drug Coupon* | PHESGO Patient Assistance Program* | |
| Insured (federal, state or government) | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Insured (Commercial or Private) | Available | Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Uninsured | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Insured but without pharmacy benefit or drug coverage | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
*This is not insurance.
Are the NowPatient drug savings programs suitable for brand and generic versions of PHESGO?
No. Each program has applicability requirements. Please see below
| Rx Advantage Card* for PHESGO | Canadian Prescription Savings* for PHESGO | PHESGO Drug Coupon* | PHESGO Patient Assistance Program* | |
| Brand | Yes | Yes | Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company | Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Generic | Yes | Yes | No | No |
*This is not insurance.
If you have Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage and none of the PHESGO savings options are applicable or affordable for me, what can you do?
If you are insured with Medicare and the PHESGO drug savings options are not applicable to you and still remain unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
The government site is easy to use and after you have selected your state, it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.
People who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called ‘dual eligibles’.
If you are denied Medicaid for PHESGO, and you are still unable to afford your copay or co-insurance element (for example if you are in the coverage gap or Donut Hole) then you may be eligible for a federal support program like Low Income Subsidy. To be eligible for Low Income Subsidy, you need to be a resident in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia. You can check eligibility online at SSA Medicare D Extra Help. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
I am uninsured or underinsured and none of the PHESGO prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
If you are uninsured or underinsured (for example, PHESGO is not covered by your plan) and the drug savings options are not applicable or still unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.
If you are denied and all else fails, and if you have been prescribed PHESGO for an FDA-approved indication, you can call the pharmaceutical company to see if they have any other assistance programs.
I am commercially or privately insured and none of the PHESGO prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
If your medication is not covered by your plan, you can you can appeal your insurance company’s decision. Sometimes, a formal appeal can result in the drug being covered if it is deemed medically necessary.
If you cannot afford your copay, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
However, being privately insured might complicate your eligibility for Medicaid, as having private insurance may be considered in the financial eligibility assessment.
The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. If you qualify, state Medicaid may cover the full cost of your medication.
If I have federal, state or commercial insurance and none of the PHESGO prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, are there any other support organisations that can help me with my co-insurance or copay?
If you have already tried Medicaid and received a denial letter or if you are insured with Medicare and have been denied Low-Income Subsidy, then you can try one of the following organizational support programs:
1. Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) assistance for PHESGO
If you are having trouble paying for your PHESGO medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN), may be able to assist you. To qualify for PAN assistance for PHESGO you will need to meet one or all of the following criteria:
- Your income is below 400% of the federal poverty level
- PHESGO is prescribed for an approved FDA indication
- You live in and receive treatment in the United States or U.S. territories, even if you do not have U.S. citizenship
- You have Medicare insurance coverage that covers PHESGO
- If PHESGO is listed on PAN’s list of covered medications
You can check the Patient Access Network Foundation Website for more information.
2. HealthWell Foundation Copay Program for PHESGO
If you are having trouble paying for your PHESGO medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the HealthWell Foundation Copay Program may be able to assist you. To qualify for assistance for PHESGO you will need to meet the following criteria:
- You live in and are being treated in the United States
- You are insured and your plan covers PHESGO
- If PHESGO is listed on the HealthWell Foundation’s list of covered medications
You can check the HealthWell Foundation Website for more information.
3. Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program for PHESGO
Patient Advocate Foundation’s Co-Pay Relief program exists to help reduce the financial distress you or your family may face when paying for your PHESGO treatment. If you qualify and can demonstrate the need, the foundation will provide you with direct payment covering co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles. To qualify for assistance for PHESGO you will need to meet the following criteria:
- You must be currently insured and have coverage for PHESGO
- You must have a confirmed diagnosis and treatment plan
- You must reside and receive treatment in the United States
- Your Income must fall at or below 300% or 400% of the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG) with consideration for the Cost of Living Index (COLI) and number in the household
- Applications can also be completed by contacting the program sponsor, toll-free at 866-512-3861.
You can check the Patient Advocate Foundation Website for more information.
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
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