Talzenna Capsule: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Talzenna Capsule (generic name talazoparib) is a PARP inhibitor used to treat advanced or metastatic HER2-negative breast cancer in adults with a certain inherited BRCA gene mutation, and metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer with certain HRR gene mutations when used together with enzalutamide. It is a targeted cancer therapy taken as a capsule by mouth that works on specific cancer cells rather than attacking all fast-growing cells like traditional chemotherapy. It carries important warnings related to bone marrow effects and harm to an unborn baby.

What is Talzenna Capsule

Talzenna is a targeted cancer therapy taken as a capsule by mouth. It works on specific cancer cells rather than attacking all fast-growing cells like traditional chemotherapy.

Talzenna Capsule uses

• Treats advanced or metastatic HER2-negative breast cancer in adults who have a certain type of inherited BRCA gene mutation
• Treats metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer with certain HRR gene mutations, used together with enzalutamide (Xtandi)

Benefits of Talzenna Capsule

• Taken as a capsule by mouth once a day, which is convenient
• Works as a targeted therapy aimed at specific cancer cells
• Can slow or stop the growth of certain breast and prostate cancers

How Talzenna Capsule works

Talzenna blocks a protein called PARP that cancer cells normally use to repair their damaged DNA. By stopping this repair process, the medicine causes cancer cells to die.

Talzenna Capsule dosage

Take at about the same time each day. It can be taken with or without food. Swallow the capsule whole; do not open, crush, chew, or dissolve it.

If you are prescribed Talzenna for prostate cancer, take it together with enzalutamide once a day, and continue hormone-lowering therapy unless you have had surgery to lower testosterone.

If you vomit or miss a dose, do not take an extra dose—take your next dose at your regular scheduled time. Keep taking this medicine for as long as your doctor tells you, until your cancer gets worse or side effects become unacceptable.

Available forms and strengths

• Capsule

Side effects of Talzenna Capsule

Common

• Low blood cell counts (red cells, white cells, platelets)
• Fatigue or weakness
• High blood sugar levels
• Nausea
• Signs of liver stress on blood tests
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Hair loss
• Changes in sense of taste
• Dizziness
• Electrolyte changes such as low calcium, potassium, magnesium, or sodium
• Sore or red mouth, lips, or tongue; mouth ulcers; cold sores
• Stomach pain or indigestion

Serious

• Signs of low blood cell counts: unusual bleeding or bruising, fever, feeling very tired, weakness, weight loss, frequent infections, blood in urine or stool, shortness of breath
• Signs of a possible bone marrow problem (MDS or AML): weakness, weight loss, fever, frequent infections, blood in urine or stool, shortness of breath, feeling very tired, bruising or bleeding more easily
• Allergic reactions: skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing
• Signs of infection: fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble passing urine

Warnings and precautions

• This medicine can cause a serious bone marrow problem called MDS or AML, which can be fatal. If this is confirmed, your doctor will stop treatment with this medicine.
• This medicine can lower your bone marrow's ability to make blood cells, raising your risk of bleeding and life-threatening infections. You may need blood tests regularly and might need transfusions.
• This medicine can harm an unborn baby, so effective birth control is needed during and after treatment as described for both women and men.
• Rarely, people who took this medicine during studies developed other cancers, including certain blood cancers, especially those who had prior platinum-based chemotherapy or radiation.
• Pregnancy: This medicine can harm an unborn baby and may cause miscarriage. Women who can become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 7 months after the last dose. 
• Men with partners who can become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 4 months after the last dose.
• Breastfeeding: Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine and for at least 1 month after the last dose, since it's not known if it passes into breast milk or if it's safe for a nursing baby.
• Kidney: People with kidney problems may need a lower dose, since kidney impairment can increase levels of this medicine in the body.
• Liver: This medicine has not been studied in people with moderate or severe liver problems, so caution is needed in those cases.
• Alcohol: Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol while taking this medicine.
• Driving: This medicine may cause dizziness, tiredness, and weakness, so be careful driving or using machines until you know how it affects you.

Storage

• Store at 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C)
• Keep the capsules in their original pack until it's time to take one
• Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink, or in a car or on a window sill
• Keep out of the reach of children
• If you no longer need this medicine or it's expired, take it to a pharmacy for safe disposal

When to see a doctor

• Contact your doctor right away if you suddenly have unusual bleeding or bruising, muscle weakness, changes in speech or vision, or a fever—these can be signs of low blood cell counts.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you have weakness, weight loss, fever, frequent infections, blood in urine or stool, shortness of breath, feeling very tired, or bruising/bleeding more easily—these can be signs of serious bone marrow problems.
• Get emergency help for signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner become pregnant while taking this medicine.

Alternatives

• Rubraca
• Zejula
• Lynparza