eribulin

Pronunciation: e RIB ue lin

Brand: Halaven

What is the most important information I should know about eribulin?

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).

What is eribulin?

Eribulin is used to treat breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic).

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 liposarcoma that cannot be treated with surgery, or has spread throughout the body.

Eribulin is usually given after at least two other cancer treatments did not work or have stopped working.

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

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving eribulin?

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 (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood).

Eribulin can harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is using this medicine.

  • If you are a woman, do not use eribulin if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control 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 birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3.5 months (14 weeks )after your last dose.
  • Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using eribulin.

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

Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.

How is eribulin given?

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

Eribulin is given in a 21-day treatment cycle. You may need to use the medicine only during the first 1 to 2 weeks of each cycle. Your doctor will determine how long to treat you 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 tested often. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.

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

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 line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include signs of infection such as fever or chills.

What should I avoid while receiving eribulin?

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

What are the possible side effects of eribulin?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • chest pain, severe dizziness, fast or pounding heartbeats;
  • numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands or feet;
  • pain or burning when you urinate;
  • low calcium level --muscle spasms or contractions, numbness or tingly feeling (around your mouth, or in your fingers and toes);
  • low potassium level --leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling; or
  • low blood cell counts --fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath.

Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.

Common side effects 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 may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect eribulin?

Other drugs may affect eribulin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about eribulin.

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