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KINASE INHIBITORS
Tykerb (lapatinib) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adults with breast cancer.
These insights are based on 89 comments about Tykerb from MyBCTeam members. These are the experiences of a small number of people and are not meant to be medical advice.
Benefits:
Considerations:
Tykerb is a type of medication called a kinase inhibitor. It blocks two proteins called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). These proteins are involved in cancer cell growth.
By blocking EGFR and HER2, Tykerb may help slow the growth of some cancer cells. Doctors prescribe Tykerb to treat certain adults with HER2-positive breast cancer that has spread. The exact use depends on the cancer’s hormone receptor status and prior treatment.
Tykerb may be used:
Tykerb is given as a tablet by mouth, usually once a day. It should be taken at least one hour before or at least one hour after a meal. The full daily dose (typically five tablets) is taken all at once, not split up.
Treatment is usually given continuously. When Tykerb is used with capecitabine, the partner medicine is taken in repeating 21-day cycles. Treatment usually continues until the cancer gets worse or side effects become unacceptable or intolerable.
For HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer treated with capecitabine, the recommended dose is 1,250 milligrams by mouth once daily on days 1 to 21 continuously, with capecitabine 2,000 milligrams per square meter per day on days 1 to 14 of a repeating 21-day cycle.
For hormone receptor-positive, HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer treated with letrozole, the recommended dose is 1,500 milligrams by mouth once daily continuously, with letrozole 2.5 milligrams once daily.
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.
These insights are based on 89 comments about Tykerb from MyBCTeam members.
Members who use Tykerb often talk about practical day-to-day issues, like taking it on schedule, watching for side effects, and staying in touch with their cancer care team about changes. Many also mention the financial side of treatment and the value of asking about grants, copay help, and specialty pharmacy support.
Plan ahead for taking Tykerb on an empty stomach.
“I get lightheaded at times when I take my Tykerb, because it’s taken on an empty stomach, and have to wait one hour before eating.”
Ask your care team how to manage the pill burden.
“Started my new treatment today. I’m now taking 4 pills of Xeloda 500 milligrams each twice a day 30 minutes after I eat, then I take 5 pills of Tykerb 250 milligrams every hour after I eat supper.”
Let your doctor know if cost is a problem.
“I, too, was switched from Kadcyla to Xeloda and Tykerb. My insurance didn’t cover the really expensive one either, but fortunately I got a grant that paid for it. Sometimes the manufacturer will provide it for you. Keep checking with your doctor’s office.”
Be prepared for specialty pharmacy and insurance logistics.
“Tykerb is 250-milligram pills. I take 5 pills a day on an empty stomach. I couldn’t purchase it at my local pharmacy, only a specialty pharmacy shipped directly.”
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In clinical trials of Tykerb used with capecitabine for HER2-positive advanced or metastatic breast cancer, the most common side effects occurred in at least 20 percent of people taking Tykerb with capecitabine.
These side effects include:
Tykerb 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 Tykerb.
Tykerb does not currently have a dedicated manufacturer savings program listed in this source. Members often mention asking about grants, copay help, and specialty pharmacy support when cost is a concern.
Before starting Tykerb, your doctor will check your heart function and may do blood tests to check your liver function. Your doctor may also give you a pregnancy test before you start treatment if you are able to become pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to lapatinib or any ingredients in Tykerb.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements.
Some medicines and supplements can change how much Tykerb is in your body. These may include certain antibiotics, antifungal medicines, seizure medicines, HIV medicines, heart medicines, and St. John’s wort. Do not start or stop any medicine or supplement without checking with your care team.
Do not take Tykerb if you have had a serious allergic reaction to lapatinib or any of its ingredients.
If you miss a dose of Tykerb, take your next dose at your regular time the next day. Do not take two doses at the same time.
Tykerb can harm your baby if you are pregnant. Females who can become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment and for one week after the last dose. Males with female partners who can become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment and for one week after the last dose.
Do not breastfeed during treatment with Tykerb and for one week after the last dose.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is Tykerb?
In a study of HER2-positive advanced or metastatic breast cancer that had progressed after prior treatment, people who took Tykerb plus capecitabine had a median time to disease progression of 27.1 weeks, compared with 18.6 weeks with capecitabine alone. The response rate was 23.7 percent with the combination, compared with 13.9 percent with capecitabine alone.
In postmenopausal people with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, Tykerb plus letrozole improved median progression-free survival to 35.4 weeks, compared with 13.0 weeks with letrozole alone. Response rates in that group were 27.9 percent with Tykerb plus letrozole and 14.8 percent with letrozole alone.
Can Tykerb cause lightheadedness or heart-related problems in breast cancer treatment?
Yes. Tykerb can cause heart-related problems. It has been reported to lower left ventricular ejection fraction, which is a measure of how well the heart pumps blood.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have shortness of breath, palpitations, or fatigue.
Tykerb has also been linked to QT prolongation. This is a change in the heart’s electrical activity. Symptoms of an abnormal heartbeat can include dizziness, feeling lightheaded, fatigue, shortness of breath, or feeling like your heart is pounding or racing.
On MyBCTeam, people share their experiences with breast cancer, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
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