What is Eribulin?
The treatment of metastatic breast cancer is with eribulin.Eribulin can also be used to treat liposarcoma. This is a rare form of cancer that develops anywhere on the body in fatty tissues. Eribulin can be used to treat liposarcoma if it cannot be treated by surgery or has spread all over the body.Eribulin should only be given if at least two cancer treatment options have failed or stopped working.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of eribulin.
Side effects of Eribulin
If you experience symptoms of an allergy (hives), difficulty breathing (swelling in the face and throat), or severe skin reactions (fever or burning, irritation, or blistering, or red, purple, or black skin with peeling or blistering), seek emergency medical attention.
Eribulin can cause severe side effects. If you experience:
- Chest pain, severe dizziness, fast or pounding heartbeats;
- You may experience numbness or burning in the hands and feet.
- Pain or burning after urinating;
- Low calcium levels—muscle contractions, numbness, or tingly sensations (in your hands and fingers, around your mouth);
- Low potassium level—leg cramps constipation, increased thirst, numbness, tingling, or a limp feeling
- Low blood counts—fever and chills; fatigue; sores on the lips, tongue, or skin; easy bruising. Unusual bleeding. Pale skin. Cold hands and feet. Feeling lightheaded.
If you experience certain side effects, your cancer treatment may be terminated or delayed.
Eribulin can cause a variety of side effects.
- Low blood cell counts
- Low calcium or potassium levels
- Nausea, constipation;
- Hair loss;
- Feeling tired or weak?
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report any side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
You may bleed or get an infection if you take eribulin. If you experience unusual bleeding or bruising or show signs of an infection (such as fever, chills, or cough), call your doctor.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to eribulin, it is best not to use this product.
If you've ever:
- Liver Disease
- Kidney disease
- Heart problems
- Long QT Syndrome
- An electrolyte balance (such as low potassium or magnesium levels in the blood)
If either the mother or father uses eribulin, it can cause harm to an unborn child.
- Do not take eribulin while pregnant if you're a female. While you're taking this medication and at least two weeks afterward, use birth control.
- Use effective birth control if you're a male. Continue to use birth control at least for 3.5 months after your last pill.
- If you notice a pregnancy while the mother or either father is taking eribulin, tell your doctor immediately.
Both men and women may be affected by this medicine. It is still important to avoid pregnancy by using birth control, as eribulin may harm the unborn child.You should not breastfeed for 2 weeks following your last dose of this medication.
How to take Eribulin?
Eribulin can be infused into the vein. This injection will be given by a healthcare professional.Eribulin can be given as a treatment for 21 days. The medicine may only be needed during the first 1 or 2 weeks of each treatment cycle. You will be treated by your doctor for the prescribed duration.Your risk for infection and bleeding increases significantly when pregnant, with potential effects like increased susceptibility to infections or hemorrhaging.You will have to test your blood frequently. The results may delay your cancer treatment.You may need an EKG (also called an ECG) to check your heart's function.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for breast cancer:
On days 1, 8, and 21 of a cycle, 1.4 mg/m2 intravenously over 2–5 minutes
Comments:
This drug must be prescribed by a physician who is experienced with the proper use of cytotoxic medicines.
Patients may suffer from nausea and vomiting. Consider antiemetic treatment, including corticosteroids.
Before each dose, the peripheral neuropathy must be evaluated, and a complete blood count should be taken.
Use: To treat patients with metastatic breast cancer who have received two or more chemotherapeutic regimens to treat metastatic disease. Anthracycline or taxane should have been used in the previous therapy, whether it was adjuvant treatment or metastatic.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are unable to attend your appointment, call your doctor and ask for further instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.Infections such as fever and chills can be symptoms of an overdose.
Avoid this
Stay away from people with infections or illnesses. If you notice any signs of an infection, tell your doctor immediately.
Interaction with other drug
Other medications, such as vitamin and herb products, may also affect eribulin. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you have started or stopped using.
