Uses

What is Nerlynx used for?

Nerlynx (neratinib) is used to treat a certain type of breast cancer called HER2-positive breast cancer. It may be used in early stage breast cancer or in people who have cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic).

Nerlynx may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.                   

How does Nerlynx work?

Nerlynx blocks certain signals that cause breast cancer cells to grow and spread. 

How is Nerlynx supplied (dosage forms)?

Nerlynx is supplied in the following dosage form that is taken by mouth.

  • 40 mg oral tablets

How should I store Nerlynx?

Nerlynx should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place, in a tightly closed container.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Nerlynx?

While less common, the most common side effects of Nerlynx are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Diarrhea (see below)
  • Nausea or upset stomach
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Tiredness
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation (when used with capecitabine)
  • Rash
  • Dry mouth or mouth sores
  • Decreased appetite and weight loss
  • Muscle cramps
  • Dizziness (when used with capecitabine)
  • Back pain (when used with capecitabine)
  • Nail problems such as color change
  • Dry skin
  • Swelling of your stomach area
  • Nosebleed
  • Kidney or bladder infection
  • Sinus infection (when used with capecitabine)
  • Joint pain (when used with capecitabine)
  • Kidney problems (when used with capecitabine)

There may be other side effects of Nerlynx that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Nerlynx?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Nerlynx are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Diarrhea. Diarrhea is common with Nerlynx. You will be told how to take the medicine to lessen the effect of diarrhea. If you are given medicine to prevent or treat diarrhea, take it exactly as your healthcare provider tells you. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following.

  • Severe diarrhea
  • Diarrhea that does not go away
  • Diarrhea with weakness, dizziness, or fever  

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking Nerlynx. Your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check your liver before you start treatment, once a month for the first three months of Nerlynx use, and then every three months and, as needed. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color, also called jaundice

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Nerlynx?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Nerlynx.

  • Nerlynx
  • Neratinib
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Drug Interactions. Nerlynx should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before using Nerlynx, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section below for more details.

What should I know about Nerlynx before using it?

Do not take Nerlynx unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Nerlynx with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Nerlynx out of the reach of children.

Do not cut, chew, or crush Nerlynx tablets. Swallow Nerlynx tablets whole.

Take Nerlynx with food at about the same time every day.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Nerlynx?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Nerlynx is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Liver Problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any problems with your liver. If there is a concern about the health of your liver, your healthcare provider may do tests to determine the best dose of Nerlynx for you.

Pregnancy. Do not take Nerlynx and tell your healthcare provider right away if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Nerlynx may cause harm to an unborn baby. A negative pregnancy test is necessary before starting treatment. If you can become pregnant, use effective birth control while you are taking Nerlynx and for at least 1 month after your last dose. Males with partners who can become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment and for 3 months after your last dose of Nerlynx. Talk to your healthcare provider about your birth control options. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have unprotected sex or if you think your birth control has failed. 

Breastfeeding. Do not take Nerlynx while you are breastfeeding. If you stop Nerlynx, do not breastfeed for at least 1 month after your last dose. It is not known if Nerlynx passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. 

How can I get more information about Nerlynx?

For more information about Nerlynx, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.Nerlynx.com or call them at 844-637-5969. 

Interactions

Does Nerlynx interact with foods or drinks?

Do not take Nerlynx with grapefruit or grapefruit juice.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Nerlynx.

Does Nerlynx interact with other medicines?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Nerlynx.

  • Antacid medicines which may contain aluminum, calcium, or magnesium 
  • An H2 blocker, such as cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid, Zantac), or nizatidine (Axid)
  • A proton pump inhibitor (PPI) such as esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix), and rabeprazole (Aciphex)  

Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of Nerlynx, and vice versa. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

Does Nerlynx (neratinib) interact with other drugs you are taking?
Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Nerlynx?

If you or someone else has used too much Nerlynx, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Nerlynx?

Nerlynx is taken once a day, at about the same time each day. If you miss a dose, only take your next usual dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

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