Eribulin is used to treat breast cancer and liposarcoma. Learn how the medication is given, its common side effects, special precautions to watch out for, and more.

What is this medication for?

Eribulin is a chemotherapy medication used to treat breast cancer and liposarcoma (a cancer that grows in soft tissues that’s made up of fat cells). It works by blocking  the cell division process, causing the cancer cells to eventually die.

How should I take or use this medication?

Eribulin is injected into the vein (given intravenously) as an injection over a few minutes.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if: 

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
  • Females who could become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 2 weeks after your last treatment.
  • Males with female partners who could become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 3.5 months after your last treatment.
  • Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 2 weeks after your last dose.
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies. 

What are some common side effects of this medication?

• Decreased white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. This may put you at increased risk of infections, bleeding or bruising, and feeling tired. 
  • To reduce your risk of infection:
    • Practice good personal hygiene.
    • Avoid eating raw or half-cooked food.
    • Avoid crowded places and coming into close contact with people who are not feeling well. Wear a face mask when you’re going out.
  • To reduce your risk of bleeding:
    • Be careful when using sharp objects such as knives.
    • Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Numbness or tingling sensation in the hands or feet
  • Inform your doctor if you are bothered by this symptom or have difficulty picking up objects.
• Diarrhea or constipation
  • To manage diarrhea:
    • Drink more water or clear fluids to replace the fluids lost.
    • Avoid oily, spicy food or dairy products.
  • To manage constipation:
    • Drink more water or clear fluids (if you do not have a limit on the amount of water you can drink each day).
    • Add more fibre to your diet by eating more fruits and vegetables.
• Mild nausea or vomiting
  • Take small frequent meals. 
  • Avoid food/smells that may make you feel nauseous such as oily, fried food or strong-smelling food.
• Hair loss
  • This is a temporary side effect that may be more obvious a few weeks after treatment.
  • Use a mild shampoo (such as baby shampoo) to wash your hair and scalp.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

• Symptoms of infection such as high fever of 38 ⁰C and above
• Unusual bleeding, bruising or black sticky stools
• Symptoms of heart problems such as feeling lightheaded, fainting, fast or abnormal heartbeat
• Drug allergy. The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following: 
  • Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see your healthcare professional immediately.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

Avoid taking traditional Chinese medications (TCM) or “jamu” when you are on this medication.

Disclaimer

Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.

Last updated on Oct 2023