Halaven
Brand name: Halaven
Chemical name: Eribulin
Class: Microtubule inhibitor chemotherapy.
How it works: Microtubule inhibitors work by interfering with microtubulin, a component of cells; interfering with microtubulin can disrupt cell division and make cancer cells die.
Uses: Halaven is used to treat metastatic breast cancer that did not respond or has stopped responding to other chemotherapies.
How it's given: Halaven is given intravenously.
Additional information: Halaven is made from a sea sponge.
Side effects:
- low white blood cell count
- anemia (low red blood cell count)
- fatigue
- weakness
- hair loss
- neuropathy (numbness/tingling in the hands and feet)
- nausea
- fever
- constipation
- irregular periods -- this can include temporary cessation (usually resume after medication is completed) or permanent cessation of menstrual periods depending on your age and other factors
