Eribulin

Eribulin

Eribulin

What is Eribulin?

Eribulin is also used to treat liposarcoma, a rare type of cancer that develops in fatty tissue anywhere in the body. Eribulin is used for liposarcomas that cannot be treated with surgery or have spread throughout the body.

Eribulin is usually given when at least two other cancer treatments have failed or are no longer working.

Eribulin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Eribulin side effects

If necessary, get emergency medical helpSigns of an allergic reaction(hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat)or a severe skin reaction(Fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple rash with blistering and peeling).

Eribulin can cause serious side effects. Call your doctor immediately if you have:

• chest pain, severe dizziness, fast or rapid heartbeat;

• numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands or feet;

• pain or burning when urinating;

• low calcium levels – muscle cramps or contractions, numbness or tingling (around your mouth or in your fingers and toes);

• low potassium levels - leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeat, fluttering in the chest, increased thirst or need to urinate, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or feeling weak; or

• low blood cell count - fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, sore skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, lightheadedness or shortness of breath.

If you experience certain side effects, your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently stopped.

Common side effects of eribulin may include:

• low blood cell counts;

• low calcium or potassium levels;

• nausea, constipation;

• hair loss; or

• feeling tired or weak.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Eribulin can weaken (suppress) your immune system and you may get an infection or bleed more easily. Call your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding, or signs of infection (fever, chills, cough, or painful urination).

Before you take this medicine

You should not use eribulin if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease;

• kidney disease;

• heart problems;

• long QT syndrome (in you or a family member); or

• an electrolyte imbalance (e.g. low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood).

Eribulin can harm an unborn babyif the mother or father is using eribulin.

• If you are a woman,Do not use eribulin if you are pregnant. Use effective contraception to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.

• If you are a man,Use effective contraception if your sexual partner may become pregnant. Continue using birth control for at least 3.5 months (14 weeks) after the last dose.

• Tell your doctor immediately if pregnancy occurs while the mother or father is using eribulin.

This medicine may affect fertility (ability to have children) in both men and women. However, it is important to use contraception to prevent pregnancy because eribulin can harm an unborn baby.

Do not breast-feed while using this medicine.and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.

How is eribulin administered?

Eribulin is given as an infusion into a vein. A doctor will give you this injection.

Eribulin is administered in a 21-day treatment cycle. You may only need to use the medicine for the first 1 to 2 weeks of each cycle. Your doctor will decide how long you should be treated with this medicine.

Eribulin can weaken (suppress) your immune system and you may get an infection or bleed more easily. Your blood will need to be checked frequently. Because of the results, your cancer treatment may be delayed.

Your heart function may also need to be checked with an electrocardiograph or EKG (sometimes called an EKG).

Eribulin dosage information

Usual adult dose for breast cancer:

1.4 mg/m2 i.v. over 2 to 5 minutes on days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle

Comments:
-This drug should be administered under the supervision of a qualified physician experienced in the proper use of cytotoxic drugs.
-Patients may experience nausea or vomiting. Antiemetic prophylaxis including corticosteroids should be considered.
– Peripheral neuropathy should be assessed and a complete blood count obtained before each dose.

Use: For the treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer who have previously received at least 2 chemotherapy regimens to treat metastatic disease. Prior therapy should include an anthracycline and a taxane in either the adjuvant or metastatic setting.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your eribulin injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222.

Symptoms of overdose may include signs of infection such as fever or chills.

What should I avoid while taking eribulin?

Avoid being near sick or infected people. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any signs of infection.

What other drugs affect eribulin?

Other medications can affect eribulin, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all medications you are currently taking and any medications you are taking or stopping.

More information

Remember to keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medicine only for the prescribed indication.