Tucatinib is a molecule used to treat a certain type of breast cancer called HER2-positive breast cancer. This kind of cancer grows faster because of a protein called HER2. Tucatinib is helpful when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, including the brain.

This medicine was first approved in April 2020. It is now available in India and used along with other cancer medicines for people who have already tried earlier treatments.

Doctors give Tucatinib when:

• Breast cancer has spread to other parts of the body

• The cancer is HER2-positive

• The person has already taken other cancer treatments that didn’t fully work

• The cancer has reached the brain.

It is not used alone — it works best when combined with two other medicines: trastuzumab and capecitabine (before using the combination just conform with your Doctor)

Tucatinib is available as 150 mg tablets. Most people are advised to:

• Take 2 tablets in the morning and 2 tablets in the evening, every day

• You can take it with or without food.

• Always swallow the tablets with water — do not crush or chew them.

• It is taken as part of a combination treatment with two other medicines: trastuzumab and capecitabine.

• The doctor may adjust the dose based on how your body reacts or if you face any side effect.s

Only a cancer specialist should decide how long you need to take it. Never change the dose on your own.

Common Side Effects

Some people may have:

• Loose motion (diarrhea)

• Feeling very tired

• Nausea or vomiting

• Mouth sores

• Less hunger

• Red or sore hands and feet

• Liver test changes (seen in blood reports)

These usually go away with time or treatment. Tell your doctor if any feel too strong or last long.

Serious Side Effects (Call Your Doctor Right Away)

• Yellow skin or eyes (could mean a liver problem)

• Bad diarrhea with weakness

• Trouble breathing or swelling (could be an allergy)

• High fever or infections
  

• Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant — it may harm the baby.

• Avoid breastfeeding during treatment and for one week after stopping it.

• This medicine can affect the liver, so regular blood tests are needed.

• If you are taking any other medicines or herbal products, tell your doctor.

• Do not share this medicine with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms.
  

• Drink plenty of water, especially if you have diarrhea.

• If your hands or feet feel dry or painful, use a gentle moisturizer.

• Avoid driving or using machines if you feel dizzy or too tired.

• Store tablets in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight

• Keep the medicine out of reach of children and pets.

• Take your medicine at the same times every day.

• If diarrhea starts, use the medicine your doctor gave for it.

• Eat small, soft meals to avoid nausea or mouth pain.

• Keep a small notebook to write down any side effects you feel.

• Don’t stop taking your tablets without checking with your doctor first.

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK595112/

2. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1914609

3. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Tucatinib

The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.