Perjeta

Indicated For

HER2-positive breast cancer

About This Medication

# Genentech Patient Foundation Patient Guide: How to Get Perjeta (pertuzumab) at Low or No Cost Perjeta (pertuzumab) is a targeted therapy used in combination with other drugs like Herceptin and chemotherapy to treat HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer or as neoadjuvant treatment for certain early-stage cases. The **Genentech Patient Foundation** helps eligible uninsured or underinsured patients get Perjeta at no cost for up to one year, provided they meet financial and insurance criteria.[1][2][4][5] ## About Perjeta (pertuzumab) **Perjeta** is an injectable monoclonal antibody that targets the HER2 protein on cancer cells, helping to slow or stop their growth. It's FDA-approved for: - Use with Herceptin (trastuzumab) and docetaxel for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer in patients who haven't received prior anti-HER2 therapy or chemotherapy for metastatic disease. - Neoadjuvant treatment (before surgery) with Herceptin and chemotherapy for HER2-positive early breast cancer that is locally advanced, inflammatory, or early-stage with high risk of recurrence.[1][4] Your doctor will determine if Perjeta is right for you based on your diagnosis and test results. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, and hair loss, but it can significantly improve outcomes when used as directed. Always discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider. ## Who Qualifies? The Genentech Patient Foundation is designed for **U.S. patients** treated by a U.S.-licensed physician who lack insurance coverage for Perjeta or face financial hardship. Key eligibility includes:[2][4][8] - Living in the United States (no citizenship or immigration status required). - Financial need: Household income under $150,000 (some exceptions apply), or insured but out-of-pocket costs exceed 7.5% of yearly income.[4] - Household size is considered (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, or more people).[1] **Income Eligibility Breakdown** | Household Size | Maximum Annual Income | Notes | |---------------|-----------------------|-------| | 1 person | Under $150,000 | Baseline threshold; adjustments for larger households or exceptions possible.[4] | | 2 people | Under $150,000+ adjustment | Exact FPL % not specified; call (888) 941-3331 for personalized assessment.[1][4] | | 3 people | Under $150,000+ adjustment | Household income evaluated holistically.[1] | | 4+ people | Under $150,000+ adjustment | Larger families may qualify with higher thresholds; confirm via phone.[1][4] | *Note: Precise Federal Poverty Level (FPL) percentages aren't publicly detailed; eligibility is determined case-by-case. Contact a Foundation Specialist for your situation.*[1][4] ## Insurance Requirements - **Uninsured patients**: Fully eligible if financial criteria met.[1][2] - **Underinsured**: Eligible if medicine is unaffordable (e.g., OOP max >7.5% of income) and insurance doesn't require prior foundation application as a coverage prerequisite.[3][4] - **Public or commercial insurance**: Program refers to independent foundations; not directly eligible.[Provided Data][4] - **Medicare patients**: Typically ineligible for free drug but may qualify if cost-sharing is unaffordable and no plan restrictions apply.[4][8] Patients in Alternative Funding Programs (AFPs) required by insurers are ineligible.[3] ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Contact a Foundation Specialist**: Call **(888) 941-3331** (Mon-Fri, 6 a.m.–5 p.m. PT) to discuss eligibility and start.[2][8][Provided Data] 2. **Complete Patient Consent Form**: Fill out online (English/Spanish) at GenentechPatientFoundation.com or download/print. Include personal info, household size, insurance status (uninsured, insured but lack coverage, or insured but unaffordable), and sign.[1][2][7] 3. **Have Your Prescriber Complete Prescriber Foundation Form**: Doctor provides diagnosis codes (primary/secondary), confirms medical necessity, treatment start status, prescription (written, electronic, or e-prescribe to MedVantx/AmeriPharm), and shipment/refill details (up to 1 year).[1][4][5] 4. **Submit Both Forms Together** (required for processing): - **Online**: Via My Patient Solutions (for registered practices) or eSubmit at GenentechPatientFoundation.com.[2][3] - **Fax**: (833) 999-4363.[1][2] - **Text**: Photo to (650) 877-1111.[2][3] No extra documents needed initially; additional info delays processing.[6][8] 5. **Wait for Contact**: Both you and your doctor will be notified of outcome.[1][2][3] ## Timeline and Delivery - **Processing**: Within **5 business days** of receiving both forms; you'll be contacted with results and next steps.[2][5] - **Approval**: Provides **up to 1 year of free Perjeta**.[5] - **Delivery**: Shipped to patient's home, prescriber's office, or treatment site via foundation pharmacy; or product replacement for prescriber inventory.[1][Provided Data] - **Refills**: Continue as long as eligible; prescriber attests to ongoing need.[1][5] ## Alternatives if Denied - **Appeal your insurance denial** (no proof needed for foundation app).[8] - **Call (888) 941-3331** for referrals to independent foundations, co-pay programs, or other Genentech Access Solutions.[2][7][8] - **Explore state programs**, manufacturer co-pay cards (if commercially insured), or nonprofits like Patient Access Network (PAN) or CancerCare. - **Discuss biosimilars**: None currently available for Perjeta.[Provided Data] - Reapply if circumstances change. ## Important Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes based on publicly available program details as of 2026 and is not medical or legal advice. Eligibility, terms, and forms may change; always verify with Genentech at (888) 941-3331 or GenentechPatientFoundation.com. Consult your doctor for treatment decisions. Genentech does not guarantee approval. Program intended for U.S. patients only.[1][2][3][4][5][8] (Word count: 1028)

Program information last verified: March 25, 2026