What are the most common side effects of Halaven?

Common side effects include low white blood cell counts, anemia, fatigue, hair loss, nausea, constipation, and nerve tingling.

Can Eribulin cause nerve damage?

Yes, Eribulin can cause peripheral neuropathy, which involves numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands or feet.

Is Eribulin safe to take during pregnancy?

No, Eribulin can cause fetal harm and should not be used during pregnancy. Effective contraception is required during and after treatment.

What should I do if I develop a fever while taking Eribulin?

Call your healthcare provider immediately, as a fever could be a sign of a serious infection caused by low white blood cell counts.

Does Eribulin interact with other medications?

While no major interactions with common enzyme-related drugs were found, your doctor should check for potential interactions with drugs like Rifadin or Extina.

How is Eribulin mesylate administered?

It is given as an intravenous (IV) injection, typically over 2 to 5 minutes.

What happens if I take too much Eribulin?

There is no known antidote for an overdose, and it may lead to severe low blood cell counts or allergic-like reactions.

eribulin | CAS 253128-41-5 | UFNVPOGXISZXJD

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Microtubule inhibitor

Eribulin mesylate (brand name Halaven) is an intravenous injection used to treat certain types of advanced cancer, specifically metastatic breast cancer and certain types of liposarcoma, in patients who have already received other treatments. It works by interfering with how cancer cells divide. Because it can lower white blood cell counts and cause nerve issues, patients require close monitoring by their healthcare provider.

How it worksEribulin works by stopping the growth phase of microtubules, which are structures inside cells that help them divide. By blocking these structures, the drug prevents cancer cells from multiplying and eventually leads to cell death.

Brand names:HALAVEN

Used for

Metastatic breast cancer in patients who have already had at least two other types of chemotherapy (specifically an anthracycline and a taxane).Unresectable or metastatic liposarcoma in patients who have already received an anthracycline-containing treatment.

Conditions

Metastatic breast cancerLiposarcoma

Class

Microtubule inhibitorAntimitotic agentImmune System (Neutropenia)Nervous System (Peripheral Neuropathy)Cardiovascular System (QT Prolongation)Integumentary System (Alopecia)

How to take

FormsIntravenous injection

RoutesIntravenous

The standard dose is 1.4 mg/m² given through an IV over 2 to 5 minutes on Days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle. Doses may be lowered for patients with liver or kidney problems.

Do not mix this medicine with other drugs or use it with solutions containing dextrose. Your doctor will check your blood counts before each dose. If you have liver or kidney issues, your dose may be adjusted. If you experience nerve pain or numbness, tell your doctor immediately. Do not use if you have a known allergy to the ingredients, though no specific contraindications were listed in the provided text.

Key warnings

·Low white blood cell counts (neutropenia) can lead to serious infections.
·Nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy) may occur and may require dose changes.
·This drug can cause harm to an unborn baby.
·It may cause changes in heart rhythm (QT prolongation), especially in patients with certain heart conditions or electrolyte imbalances.

Do not use if

·None listed

Side effects

Common

Low white blood cell count (neutropenia)AnemiaFatigueHair loss (alopecia)Nerve numbness or tingling (peripheral neuropathy)NauseaConstipation

Serious

·Severe infections due to low white blood cell counts
·Fever (febrile neutropenia)
·Nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy)
·Heart rhythm changes (QT prolongation)
·Fetal harm (potential to cause birth defects)

Seek help if

·Fever above 100.5°F
·Cough or chills
·Burning or pain when urinating
·New or worsening numbness, tingling, or pain in hands or feet

Interactions

·No specific interactions were found with common CYP3A4 or P-gp inhibitors or inducers like ketoconazole or rifampin.
·The provided data notes potential interactions with Rifadin and Extina.

AlcoholThe injection contains 5% dehydrated alcohol.

Special populations

PregnancyEribulin can cause harm to a fetus. Women of reproductive age should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 2 weeks after the final dose. Men should also use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 2 weeks after the final dose.

PediatricThe safety and effectiveness of this drug in children have not been established.

GeriatricIn clinical studies, no overall differences in safety were seen in older patients compared to younger patients, though there were fewer older patients in the studies.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

·Peripheral blood cell counts
·Signs of peripheral neuropathy
·Heart rhythm (QT interval)
·Signs of infection (fever, chills, cough)

Questions to ask

·How will my blood counts be monitored during treatment?
·What should I do if I feel numbness or tingling in my hands?
·Are there specific heart conditions I should tell you about?
·How should I manage my contraception while on this medication?

Pharmacokinetics

Half-lifeApproximately 40 hours

Protein binding49% to 65%

MetabolismUnchanged eriublin is the major circulating species in plasma.

Practical

OverdoseThere is no known antidote for an overdose. Reported overdoses have resulted in severe low white blood cell counts and hypersensitivity reactions.

Ingredients

Inactive

Dehydrated alcoholWater for injectionSodium hydroxideHydrochloric acid

Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-25.