Eribulin is used to treat cancer of the breast and fat cells.
This medicine works by stopping the cancer cells from growing and spreading.
Eribulin injection is to be given intravenously (into the vein). It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of your treatment depending on the type and severity of your condition, effectiveness of the therapy, and your tolerability to this medicine.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Eribulin.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Alert your doctor if you have a congenital long QT syndrome (an inherited disease causing abnormally fast heartbeats) as Eribulin may not be suitable for you.
Do not use Eribulin if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while on Eribulin therapy, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child.
It is important that you do not get pregnant while using this medicine. You must use proven birth control methods during Eribulin therapy and for at least 3 months after stopping the treatment. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- heart problems
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. complete blood count, kidney and liver function, electrolyte levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs of muscle weakness may also be needed.
Eribulin may cause tiredness or dizziness. If affected, do not drive, or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, stomach pain, muscle or joint pain, ringing in the ears, difficulty sleeping, headache, hot flushes, and hair loss.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- fever accompanied by fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, cold and clammy skin, confusion
- loss of balance or coordination, muscle weakness, numbness and tingling sensation in the hands or feet
This medicine may cause the level of your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets to drop.
Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.
White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Alert your doctor if you have a fever, or a cough or flu that does not go away.
Platelets help your blood to clot when there is a cut in the skin. A fall in the level of your platelets may put you at risk of bleeding more than usual. Do not take part in activities where you may fall or get injured, such as contact sports. Alert your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises, especially if the bruises appeared on their own) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking medicines for irregular heartbeat.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
As this is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired medicine to the clinic, hospital or pharmacy for disposal.
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