Key facts about Tucatinib
What dosages is Tucatinib available in?
Tucatinib is available as a 50 mg and 150 mg oral tablet.
What is Tucatinib used for?
Tucatinib is a kinase inhibitor used to treat advanced or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer.
How does Tucatinib work?
Tucatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It works by blocking the action of a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). In HER2-positive breast cancer, the cancer cells typically have more HER2 proteins than normal cells. When this protein is blocked by Tucatinib, cancer cells can’t grow and spread as well.
How do I take Tucatinib?
Tucatinib is dosed as 300 mg by mouth twice daily with or without food.
Is it safe for me to take Tucatinib?
Tucatinib is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.
Tucatinib Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Tucatinib when taken with other anticancer meds:
- Diarrhea
- Rash, redness, pain, or blisters on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet (hand-foot syndrome)
- Nausea
- Liver damage
- Vomiting
- Pain, sores, blisters, or inflammation in the mouth
- Lower appetite
Tucatinib Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Tucatinib. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Severe diarrhea
- Liver problems: yellowing of skin or whites of your eyes, dark-colored urine, right upper stomach pain or discomfort, itchy skin
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Tucatinib
The following medications may interact with Tucatinib:
- CYP3A inducers and substrates
- CYP2C8 inhibitors
- P-gp substrates
Who makes Tucatinib?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Tucatinib safe in pregnancy?
Tucatinib can harm your unborn baby. Females who can get pregnant should do a pregnancy test before you start treatment. You should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with Tucatinib and for 1 week after the last dose. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant during treatment.
