Neratinib
Generic name: neratinib [ ne-RA-ti-nib ]
Brand name: Nerlynx
Dosage form: oral tablet (40 mg)
Drug classes:EGFR inhibitors, HER2 inhibitors
What is neratinib?
Neratinib is used alone or with other medicines to treat early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer. Neratinib is also used to treat HER2-positive breast cancer that is advanced or has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic).
Neratinib is used for breast cancer only if your tumor tests positive for a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). HER2 protein can speed the growth of cancer cells.
Neratinib is given after you have received certain other cancer medicines.
Neratinib may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Neratinib can cause severe diarrhea, which can be life-threatening if it leads to dehydration. You may be given anti-diarrhea medications for the first 2 months of treatment with neratinib.
Call your doctor if you are sick with severe diarrhea, or you also have weakness, dizziness, or a fever.
Before taking this medicine
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.
Neratinib can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects if the mother or the father is using neratinib.
If you are a woman, do not use neratinib if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 1 month after your last dose.
If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose.
Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using neratinib.
Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 1 month after your last dose.
How should I take neratinib?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
The usual dose is 6 tablets taken once daily. Take the medicine with food, at the same time each day.
You may need to take this medicine daily for up to one year. Neratinib is sometimes taken daily in 21-day treatment cycles until the medicine stops working or until you have serious side effects.
Your doctor will determine...
