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PARP INHIBITORS
Talzenna (talazoparib) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adults with deleterious or suspected deleterious germline BRCA-mutated, HER2-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer.
Talzenna is a type of medication called a poly adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, a kind of targeted therapy for breast cancer. It blocks PARP proteins, which help repair damaged DNA in cells.
In cancer cells with an inherited BRCA mutation, this can lead to more DNA damage, slower cell growth, and cancer cell death. In breast cancer, this may help slow cancer growth.
Doctors prescribe Talzenna when treating certain adults with inherited BRCA-mutated, HER2-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer. It is usually used by itself for the treatment of breast cancer.
Talzenna is given as a capsule by mouth, typically once a day. It can be taken with or without food, and the capsules should be swallowed whole.
Treatment usually continues until the cancer gets worse or side effects become unacceptable.
The recommended dose of Talzenna for breast cancer is 1 milligram by mouth once daily.
For adults with moderate kidney problems, the recommended dose is 0.75 milligrams once daily. For severe kidney problems, the recommended dose is 0.5 milligrams once daily. Doctors may also lower the dose if certain other medicines are used at the same time.
Doctors may pause treatment, lower the dose, or stop treatment if side effects are serious or too hard to manage.
This information is based on the prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.
In clinical studies of Talzenna used alone to treat adults with germline BRCA-mutated, HER2-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer, the most common side effects occurred in 20 percent or more of people taking the drug. Lab tests also commonly showed low blood cell counts, increased blood sugar, increased liver enzymes, and decreased calcium.
These included:
Talzenna can cause serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention. These include:
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction to Talzenna.
Pfizer, the manufacturer of Talzenna, offers Pfizer Oncology Together. Eligible people with commercial insurance may pay as little as $0 per month. People enrolled in state or federally funded insurance programs are not eligible to use the copay card.
If you have government insurance or no insurance, the website offers information on other ways to save on your prescription. Pfizer Oncology Together also offers help finding potential financial assistance options, plus personalized support and connections to resources to help with access and reimbursement.
To learn more, visit the Talzenna support and resources website or call 877-744-5675.
Before starting Talzenna for breast cancer, your doctor will test for an inherited BRCA mutation. Your doctor may also use other tests to decide if Talzenna is right for you.
If you can become pregnant, your doctor will check your pregnancy status before you start Talzenna.
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to talazoparib or any ingredients in Talzenna.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements.
Talzenna is also FDA-approved to treat certain metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer when used with enzalutamide.
If you vomit or miss a dose of Talzenna, take your next dose at your usual time.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Talzenna can harm your baby if taken during pregnancy. If you can become pregnant, use effective birth control during treatment and for seven months after your last dose.
If you are male and have a partner who is pregnant or can become pregnant, use effective birth control during treatment and for four months after your last dose. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for one month after your last dose.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is Talzenna?
In a study of people with germline BRCA-mutated, HER2-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer, the median time before the cancer worsened was 8.6 months with Talzenna compared to 5.6 months with chemotherapy.
In people with measurable tumors, 50.2 percent of people taking Talzenna had a tumor response. This means their tumors shrank by a certain amount. This happened in 18.4 percent of people taking chemotherapy.
These results show that Talzenna helped some people live longer before their cancer worsened. It also helped shrink tumors in some people. Talzenna does not work the same way for everyone.
What tests or monitoring are needed with Talzenna for breast cancer?
Your healthcare provider should check your blood counts every month during treatment and as needed. Talzenna can cause low red blood cells, low white blood cells, and low platelets.
If blood cell problems last a long time or longer than expected, your doctor may pause Talzenna. Your blood counts may be checked every week until they recover.
On MyBCTeam, people share their experiences with breast cancer, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
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