The basics
Eribulin injection (brand name- Halaven) is an FDA-approved treatment for breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body and that has already been treated with certain other chemotherapy medications.
Eribulin is in a class of anticancer medications called microtubule dynamics inhibitors. It works by stopping the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Let us walk you through the key things you need to know about eribulin.
How should I take eribulin (Halaven)?
Eribulin injection comes as a solution (liquid) to be given intravenously (into a vein) over 2 to 5 minutes by a doctor or nurse in a medical facility. It is usually given on days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle.
Your doctor may need to delay your treatment or decrease your dose if you experience certain side effects. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment.
Do not stop taking treatment without talking to your doctor. You can help them by tracking your side effects in Ankr.
What are the side effects of eribulin (Halaven)?
Common side effects
- nausea
- constipation
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
- headache
- weakness
- tiredness
- bone, back, or joint pain
- hair loss
- chills
- cough
- sore throat
- pale skin
- fever (temperature greater than 100.5)
Serious side effects
- burning or pain when urinating, or other signs of infection
- numbness, burning, or tingling in the arms, legs, hands, or feet
- shortness of breath
- irregular heartbeat
Eribulin injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking this medication. If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
Use the free Ankr platform or Ankr app to track your symptoms.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before receiving eribulin injection
- tell your doctor about your allergies
- tell your doctor about other intakes
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any disease, symptom, or treatment.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You should use birth control to prevent pregnancy during your treatment with eribulin injection.
While you are on eribulin injection
- If you become pregnant while receiving eribulin injection, call your doctor. Eribulin may harm the fetus.
- Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed during your treatment
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are receiving eribulin injection.
In case of an emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include the following:
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Brand names
- Halaven®
Last Revised – 06/13/2023, FDA updated- 02/01/2011, SG
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(1) find the best treatment for your cancer, and
(2) get advanced warning to cut side effects by upto 52%