This page contains brief details about the drug , it's indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.

Background and Date of Approval

Eribulin is an anticancer drug that belongs to the class of anti-microtubular agents. FDA approved Eribulin on November 10, 2010, for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Later, on January 28, 2016, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved this drug for the treatment of unresectable and metastatic liposarcoma.

Mechanism of Action of undefined

Eribulin is a microtubule inhibitor that exerts its action by inhibiting the growth phase of microtubules in the cell cycle without affecting other stages. It acts by blocking rapid cell growth and disrupting the mitotic spindle, which is responsible for cell division. This leads to tumor cell death after prolonged mitotic blockage.

Uses of undefined

Eribulin is an intravenously administered drug. It is indicated to treat breast cancer that has spread to other body parts and has already received treatment with at least two other anti-cancer medications. It is also used to treat liposarcoma that has spread to other organs or cannot be removed with surgery and has been treated with other anti-cancer medication.

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

The drug should be administered only by healthcare professionals experienced with cancer chemotherapy. Your physician will determine the dose and frequency of administration based on the type of cancer and severity of the disease. This injection will be given intravenously into your vein over a period of 2 to 5 minutes. Eribulin is usually given on day 1 and day 8 of every 21-day cycle. The recommended dose of this injection is 1.4mg/m2, but the dose and frequency of administration will vary for each person depending on the disease condition and other factors.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

This drug is intended to cause a severe decrease in white blood cell counts. Monitor complete blood count and other laboratory parameters regularly. Regular checking for peripheral neuropathy (numbness, tingling, or pain in hands and feet) before every dose is necessary. Peripheral neuropathy is common with Eribulin, but it may sometimes become severe. Notify your healthcare professional if you face any symptoms during or after the administration of the drug.

Precautions

Inform your physician if you have or ever had liver disease, fever or infection, kidney problems, heart problems, a family history of heart diseases, and electrolyte imbalance before starting the treatment with this medicine. Eribulin affects fertility in men and women hence, it is important to use an effective birth control method. Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to eribulin or any of the other ingredients in it. It is unsafe to take this medicine if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning for pregnancy. It is advisable to discuss it with your physician before the therapy. Your healthcare professional may advise you to take certain blood tests to monitor the effectiveness and side effects of the therapy. 

Side Effects

The common side effects include hair loss, constipation, nausea, abnormalities in liver function tests, altered levels of sugar, bilirubin, phosphates, potassium, magnesium or calcium in the blood, anemia, tiredness, weakness, numbness, and pain in hands and feet, decreased white blood cells and platelets, inability to sleep, dizziness, and skin rash. Other serious side effects include prolonged QT interval, changes in heart rhythm, blood infection, high fever, inflammation in the lungs and pancreas, blood clots, and internal bleeding.

Word Of Advice

Store Eribulin in the original package at room temperature (25°C). Do not freeze. Keep it out of reach from children and pets. It is important to get the dose at the scheduled time. If you missed the schedule, contact your doctor and reschedule the dose. Inform your physician if you are taking other anti-cancer or heart medications since Eribulin Injection can cause fertility problems in men and women. Suppose you are a male, and your partner still has reproductive potential. In that case, it is necessary to use effective contraception during the treatment and at least 14 weeks (3.5 months) after your final dose of Injection. Female patients are advised to use the contraception for 2 weeks after the last dose. Avoid getting pregnant and breastfeeding during the treatment. This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Your physician may advise you to do regular blood tests to monitor your disease condition and the effectiveness of the treatment.

Frequently Asked Question

References

  1. www.medicines.org.uk. (2023). Eribulin injection - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/4517/smpc  [Accessed 17 Feb. 2023].
  2. HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION - Eribulin Injection. (2016). [online] FDA. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/201532s015lbl.pdf   [Accessed 17 Feb. 2023].
  3. Dybdal-Hargreaves, N.F., Risinger, A.L. and Mooberry, S.L. (2015). Eribulin Mesylate: Mechanism of Action of a Unique Microtubule-Targeting Agent. Clinical Cancer Research, [online] 21(11), pp.2445–2452. doi:https://doi.org/10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-14-3252[Accessed 17 Feb. 2023].

Disclaimer

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.