Eribulin (By injection)
er-i-BUE-lin MES-i-late
Drug classes
Antineoplastic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Eribulin injection is used to treat metastatic (cancer that has already spread to other parts of the body) breast cancer in patients who have already received other types of cancer medicines. Eribulin injection is also used to treat metastatic liposarcoma or liposarcoma that cannot be removed with surgery in patients who have received other types of cancer medicines.
Eribulin belongs to the group of medicines called antineoplastics (cancer medicines). It interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected by this medicine, other side effects may occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor right away. Some unwanted effects may not be serious but may cause concern. Some of the unwanted effects do not occur until months or years after the medicine is used.
Before you begin treatment with eribulin, you and your doctor should talk about the benefits of this medicine as well as the risks.
This medicine is to be given only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
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.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to eribulin, or if you are pregnant.
Warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, blood or bone marrow problems, heart failure, or heart rhythm problems (such as congenital long QT syndrome, QT prolongation, slow heartbeat).
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 the following problems:
Heart rhythm problems Peripheral neuropathyThis medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
Cancer medicine can cause nausea or vomiting, sometimes even after you receive medicine to prevent these effects. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control any nausea or vomiting that might happen.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
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 or vomiting
Loss of appetite, weight loss
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.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Halaven
There may be other brand names for this medicine.