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