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Tukysa is commonly used to treat certain cancers. Common side effects include diarrhea, hand-foot syndrome, and nausea and vomiting. Call your health care provider right away if you get a fever, severe diarrhea, skin rashes or sores, or yellowing of your eyes. Tukysa is a tablet that you will swallow. 

Uses

What is Tukysa used for?

Tukysa (tucatinib) is commonly used to treat certain HER2-positive breast cancers and colorectal cancer.

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

How does Tukysa work (mechanism of action)?

Tukysa is a type of medicine known as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). It works by targeting specific receptors on cancer cells. By blocking the action of these receptors, Tukysa can cause cancer cells to die and prevent cancer cells from growing or spreading.

How is Tukysa supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Tukysa

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 50 mg, 150 mg oral tablets

How should I store Tukysa?

Tukysa should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep Tukysa in the original bottle. The bottle will also have a desiccant packet to help protect the medicine from moisture. Do not remove the packet. You should throw away any medicine that is not used three months after opening the bottle.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Tukysa?

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

  • Diarrhea (see below)
  • Hand-foot syndrome
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Liver problems (see below)
  • Mouth sores
  • Loss of appetite
  • Rash
  • Tiredness
  • Stomach pain
  • Low red blood cell counts (anemia)
  • Fever

There may be other side effects of Tukysa 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 Tukysa?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Tukysa may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Tukysa and 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, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking Tukysa. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish (also called jaundice)

Diarrhea. Diarrhea is common with Tukysa. Call your health care provider right away if you develop diarrhea or have more than two bowel movements in one day. If you are given medicine to prevent or treat diarrhea, take it exactly as your health care provider tells you. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following.

  • Severe diarrhea
  • Diarrhea that does not go away
  • Diarrhea with weakness, dizziness, or fever

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Tukysa?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Tukysa.

  • Tucatinib
  • Tukysa
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Tukysa.

What should I know about Tukysa before using it?

Do not take Tukysa unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Tukysa with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Tukysa out of the reach of children.

People who are 65 years or older can be at greater risk of some side effects from Tukysa. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

Swallow Tukysa whole, and do not crush, split, or chew the tablets.

Your health care provider will have you do regular blood tests before taking and while taking Tukysa. Make sure to attend all appointments so they can make sure that Tukysa is safe for you.

If you vomit after taking your Tukysa dose, do not take another dose. Skip the dose and take your next dose at the usual time. 

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

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

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 determine if Tukysa is right for you.

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

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have liver problems.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Tukysa may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Tukysa, 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.

Pregnancy. Tukysa may cause harm to a fetus. Your health care provider will give you a test to make sure you are not pregnant before you start taking Tukysa. If you can get pregnant, you should use birth control while taking Tukysa and for one week after your last dose. If you are able to get a partner pregnant, you should use condoms while taking Tukysa and for one week after your last dose. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Tukysa passes into breast milk. You should not breastfeed while taking Tukysa and for one week after your last dose. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Tukysa?

For more information about Tukysa, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.tukysa.com or call them at 855-473-2436.

Interactions

Does Tukysa interact with foods or drinks?

Grapefruit interacts with Tukysa. It is important to avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking Tukysa. This is because grapefruit can interfere with your body’s ability to break down Tukysa, which can lead to high levels of the medicine and an increased risk of side effects. 

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

Does Tukysa 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 using any of the following before taking Tukysa.

  • St. John’s wort, which is a supplement that may be used for depression
  • Midazolam, a medicine used to relieve anxiety before surgery
  • Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure
  • A fibrate, such as gemfibrozil (Lopid), which is a medicine for high cholesterol
  • Metformin, a medicine used to treat diabetes

Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of Tukysa and vice versa. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Tukysa. 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 Tukysa?

If you or someone else has used too much Tukysa, 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 Tukysa?

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.