Eribulin Mesylate (er-i-BUE-lin MES-i-late)

Treats breast cancer that has already spread. Used in patients who have already received at least two types of cancer medicines.

Brand Name(s):

Halaven

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• 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.
• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
• 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 cycle treatment. This 2-day treatment is given again every 21 days until your body responds to the medicine. Each treatment usually takes about 2 to 5 minutes.
• This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

If a dose is missed:

• 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.

• Make sure your doctor knows all of the medications you are taking (prescription and over-the-counter).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, blood or bone marrow problems, congestive heart failure, heart rhythm problems (such as congenital long QT syndrome, QT prolongation, slow heartbeats), mineral imbalance (such as low magnesium or potassium in the blood), or nerve problems.
• This medicine lowers the number of some types of blood cells in your body. Because of this, you may bleed or get infections more easily. To help with these problems, avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Wash your hands often. Stay away from rough sports or other situations where you could be bruised, cut, or injured. Brush and floss your teeth gently. Be careful when using sharp objects, including razors and fingernail clippers.
• Check with your doctor right away if you are having burning, numbness, tingling, or painful sensations in the arms, hands, legs, or feet. These could be symptoms of a condition called peripheral neuropathy.
• This medicine can cause changes in heart rhythms, such as a condition called QT prolongation. It may change the way your heart beats and cause fainting or serious side effects in some patients. Contact your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of heart rhythm problems, such as fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeats.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.
• Cancer medicines can cause nausea and/or vomiting in most people, sometimes even after receiving medicines to prevent it. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control these side effects.

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
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate, burning or painful urination.
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea, or vomiting.
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeats.
• Fever, chills, cough, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, and body aches.
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
• Shortness of breath or troubled breathing.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
• Unusual tiredness or weakness.

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

• Back pain.
• Change or loss of taste.
• Constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, or stomach pain or upset.
• Depression.
• Dizziness or headache.
• Hair loss.
• Loss of appetite.
• Muscle, bone, or joint pain.
• Pain in the arms or legs.
• Rash.
• Sores, ulcers, or white patches on the lips, tongue, or inside the mouth.
• Trouble sleeping.

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