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Overview: Eribulin is used to treat certain cancers, including breast cancer. It helps stop cancer cells from dividing and making new cells. The most common side effects are tiredness, hair loss, nausea, constipation, and stomach pain. Tell your health care provider right away if you have pain or tingling in your arms, hands, legs, or feet; a fever or chills; if you faint; or if you have a fast or skipping heartbeat. Eribulin is given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic.

Uses

What is eribulin used for?

Eribulin is commonly used for the following types of cancer in certain people.

Eribulin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does eribulin work (mechanism of action)?

Eribulin is a chemotherapy medicine. It works by attaching to microtubules, which are parts inside cells that help cancer cells divide and make new cancer cells. By disrupting this process, eribulin can stop cancer cells from dividing and cause the cells to die. This can stop or slow down the growth and spread of cancer.

How is eribulin supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Halaven

Dosage forms and strengths

Eribulin is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store eribulin?

Eribulin is given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of eribulin?

The most common side effects of eribulin are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the condition that is being treated. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Low neutrophil levels (see below)
  • Low levels of red blood cells 
  • Tiredness or weakness
  • Hair loss
  • Nerve problems (see below)
  • Nausea
  • Constipation
  • Stomach pain
  • Fever
  • Low potassium or calcium levels

There may be other side effects of eribulin that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of eribulin?

While less common, the most serious side effects of eribulin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Eribulin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown, depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Low Neutrophil Levels (Neutropenia). Eribulin may cause low levels of a type of white blood cell (called neutrophils), which is known as neutropenia. Neutrophils help prevent infection. Having a low level of neutrophils may increase your risk of infection. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low neutrophil level.

  • Fever higher than 100.5 F (38 C), chills, or sweats
  • Tiredness
  • Sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath
  • Mouth or throat sores
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Pain or burning when you pee

Nerve Problems. Nerves are the fibers that carry sensations from your body to the brain. Damage to these nerves, called peripheral neuropathy, can happen in people while using eribulin. Tell your health care provider if you have the following symptoms in your arms, hands, legs, or feet. 

  • Pain
  • Tingling, prickling, or burning sensation
  • Numbness
  • Weakness 

Heart Rhythm Changes. Eribulin may cause a rare, dangerous heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation and torsade de pointes. Some people have a higher risk of this, including those with family members who have had these conditions and those who have certain heart problems, low potassium or magnesium levels, or take medicines that can prolong the QT interval. Tell your health care provider right away if you faint or have changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast or skipping heartbeat.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use eribulin?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use eribulin.

  • Eribulin
  • Halaven
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific eribulin products they stock.

What should I know about eribulin before using it?

Eribulin will be given to you by a health care provider in a hospital, clinic, or infusion center.

Eribulin may make it difficult for you to get a partner pregnant. If you have concerns, talk to your health care provider.

Keep all appointments with your health care provider, including appointments for blood tests.

What should I tell my health care provider before using eribulin?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if eribulin is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Eribulin may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using eribulin, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Liver or kidney problems
  • Heart problems, including long QT syndrome or someone in your family with this condition
  • Low blood levels of potassium or magnesium

Pregnancy. Eribulin may harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you or your partner is pregnant or planning to become pregnant. If you can become pregnant, it is recommended to use birth control during eribulin treatment and for at least two weeks after your last dose. If your partner can become pregnant, use birth control (such as condoms) during eribulin treatment and for 3.5 months after your last dose. 

Breastfeeding. Do not use eribulin while you are breastfeeding, and don’t breastfeed for at least two weeks after your last dose. It is not known if eribulin passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does eribulin interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between eribulin and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect eribulin, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight cancer.

Does eribulin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are taking a medicine used to control your heart rate or rhythm (antiarrhythmic) or any medicine that can cause QT prolongation, which is a heart rhythm problem that can be dangerous.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with eribulin. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much eribulin?

If you or someone else has used too much eribulin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of eribulin?

Eribulin is given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. If you miss an appointment to get your eribulin dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.