Drug Notes

Eribulin (By injection)

Eribulin (er-i-BUE-lin)

Treats breast cancer and liposarcoma.

Brand Name(s):

Halaven

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
• You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• This medicine is usually given on day 1 and day 8 of a 21-day treatment cycle. Each treatment takes about 2 to 5 minutes.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Tell your doctor if you are also using medicine to treat heart rhythm problems.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• This medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant.
  • Women: Use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for at least 2 weeks after the final dose
  • Men: Use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for at least 3.5 months after the final dose.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart failure, or heart rhythm problems (including long QT or slow heartbeat).
• Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 2 weeks after the final dose.
• Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
• This medicine may cause heart rhythm problems or peripheral neuropathy (problems with nerves).
• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Burning or painful urination
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, tiredness, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Constipation, mild nausea
• Hair loss
• Loss of appetite, weight loss
• Mild tiredness, weakness, back pain, headache

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017