ERIBULIN MESYLATE
ERIBULIN MESYLATE
What it does
Eribulin is a medication used to treat certain types of breast cancer. It helps slow down the growth of cancer cells.
Commonly used for: breast cancer
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Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 19:17:42 · updated 2026-09-15 02:12:53
About this medicine
Eribulin is a medication used to treat certain types of breast cancer. It helps slow down the growth of cancer cells.
What it treats
- breast cancer
How it works
It works by interfering with the cancer cells' ability to divide and grow.
Who it's for
This medicine is for adults with specific types of breast cancer that have not improved with other treatments.
Cautions
- • Be cautious if you are taking medications that can affect heart rhythm.
- • Avoid medications that can cause nerve damage.
- • Be careful with medications that can suppress bone marrow function.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: Eribulin
BNF-referencedEribulin is an antineoplastic agent primarily used in the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer. It is indicated for patients whose disease has progressed following at least one chemotherapy regimen, including treatments involving an anthracycline and a taxane. Eribulin is administered via intravenous injection and acts primarily through its impact on microtubule dynamics.
Indications
- Locally advanced breast cancer
- Metastatic breast cancer
Dosage
Adults: Administered on day 1 and day 8 of a 21-day cycle. Previous therapy should have included an anthracycline and a taxane in either the adjuvant or metastatic setting, unless the patient is unsuitable for these treatments.
Mechanism of action
Eribulin inhibits the growth phase of microtubules without affecting the shortening phase and sequesters tubulin into nonproductive aggregates. This action leads to a tubulin-based antimitotic mechanism causing a G2/M cell-cycle block, disrupting mitotic spindles, and ultimately resulting in apoptotic cell death after prolonged mitotic blockage.
Pharmacodynamics
Eribulin exhibits linear pharmacodynamics, influencing cell division and growth by interfering with the normal function of microtubules, which are essential for mitosis.
Pharmacokinetics
Eribulin has a molecular formula of C40H59NO11. While specific pharmacokinetic parameters such as absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion are not detailed in the provided sources, it is understood that its administration is through intravenous injection, which allows for rapid distribution into the systemic circulation. Monitoring of hepatic function is advised during treatment.
Contra-indications
- Congenital long QT syndrome
Adverse effects
- Neurotoxicity
- Myalgia
- Neutropenia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Seizures
- Pain
- Dysphagia
- Dysphasia
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Limb swelling
- Lip swelling
- Hepatic disorders
- Hepatic failure
- Pancreatitis
- Chest pain
- Respiratory disorders
- Increased risk of infection
Interactions
- Asparaginase may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, additional precautions (e.g., barrier method) are required.
Precautions
- Monitor trough serum asparaginase levels 3 days after administration.
- Monitor bilirubin, hepatic transaminases, and coagulation parameters before and during treatment.
- Facilities for the management of anaphylaxis should be available.
Pregnancy
Manufacturer advises to avoid use during pregnancy due to potential risks associated with cytotoxic drugs.
Breast-feeding
Manufacturer advises to discontinue breastfeeding during treatment.
Storage
Store in a refrigerator (2–8°C); consult product literature for storage conditions after reconstitution and dilution.
Formulations
- Powder for solution for injection (Eribulin)
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: Eribulin
PubChem CID 11354606Molecular formula: C40H59NO11
Mechanism of action
Eribulin inhibits the growth phase of microtubules without affecting the shortening phase and sequesters tubulin into nonproductive aggregates. Eribulin exerts its effects via a tubulin-based antimitotic mechanism leading to G2/M cell-cycle block, disruption of mitotic spindles, and, ultimately, apoptotic cell death after prolonged mitotic blockage. [FDA]
Pharmacodynamics
Linear
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.