The Basics
Tucatinib (brand name – Tukysa) is an FDA-approved treatment for certain types of hormone receptor–positive breast cancer, brain, and colorectal cancers. It is used with trastuzumab (Herceptin) and capecitabine (Xeloda) for cancer that has spread to other parts of the body and cannot be treated with surgery in adults who have already been treated with at least one other chemotherapy medication.
Tucatinib is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of the abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps stop or slow the spread of cancer cells.
Let us walk you through the key things you need to know about Tucatininb.
How should I take Tucatinib?
Tucatinib comes as a tablet to take by mouth with or without food twice daily, about 12 hours apart. Take tucatinib at around the same times every day. Take tucatinib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or more often than your doctor prescribes.
Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. Do not take tablets that are broken, cracked, or damaged in any way. If you vomit after taking tucatinib, do not take another dose. Continue your regular dosing schedule.
Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with tucatinib. You can help them by tracking your side effects in Ankr.
What are the side effects of Tucatinib or Tukysa?
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting (Emesis)
- Abdominal Pain (Bellyache)
- Appetite loss (Anorexia)
- Abnormal weight loss
- Fatigue (Tiredness)
- Rash
- Headache
- Mouth ulcers
- loss of appetite
- Numbness, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet
- Joint Pain (Arthralgia)
- Redness or blisters on hands or feet
- Pale skin, fatigue, or shortness of breath
Serious side effects
- Severe Diarrhea (Loose stools)
- Nose bleeding
- Pain or discomfort in the right upper stomach area
- bleeding or bruising more easily than normal
- yellowing of skin and eyes
- dark urine
- Seizure
Tucatinib may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while 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 taking tucatinib or Tukysa
- tell your doctor about your allergies
- tell your doctor about other intakes
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any other disease, symptom, or treatment in the past or now
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or if you plan on fathering a child. Talk to your doctor about birth control methods that you can use during your treatment.
While you are on tucatinib or Tukysa
- If you or your partner become pregnant while taking tucatinib, call your doctor immediately. Tucatinib may harm the fetus.
- tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed while you are taking tucatinib and for 1 week after your final dose.
- you should know that this medication may decrease fertility in men and women. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking tucatinib.
I forgot a dose. What should I do?
Skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
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.
How should I safely store and dispose of Tucatinib or Tukysa?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture not in the bathroom. Do not remove the desiccant (drying agent) from the bottle. Properly dispose of any unused tablets 3 months after opening the bottle. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org
The best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Brand names
- Tukysa®
Last Revised – 12/26/2023, FDA-updated – 01/23/2023, SG
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