Talazoparib

Breast Neoplasms

Drug Status

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Government Approvals

US(FDA), UK(BNF)

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WHO Essential Medicine

NO

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Known Teratogen

No

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Pharmaceutical Class

Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase Inhibitor

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Controlled Drug Substance

No

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Drug Ingredient

Talazoparib

Summary

  • Talazoparib is used to treat certain types of breast and prostate cancer. Specifically, it's used for breast cancers that are HER2-negative with specific genetic mutations and for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancers with HRR gene mutations.

  • Talazoparib works by blocking PARP enzymes that help in DNA repair. This prevents cancer cells from repairing their DNA, leading to cell death. It is especially effective in cancers with certain genetic mutations that already impair DNA repair processes.

  • For adults with breast cancer, the usual daily dose of Talazoparib is 1 mg taken orally once daily. For adults with prostate cancer, the dose is 0.5 mg taken orally once daily in combination with enzalutamide.

  • Common side effects of Talazoparib include fatigue, nausea, anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia. Other side effects can include decreased appetite, headaches, gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea, weight loss, and dizziness.

  • Talazoparib can cause serious conditions like myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloid leukemia and severe myelosuppression. It can also harm the fetus, so it's not recommended for pregnant women. Patients should use effective contraception during treatment and for a period after the last dose. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.

Indications and Purpose

How does Talazoparib work?

Talazoparib is a PARP inhibitor, which means it blocks the activity of PARP enzymes involved in DNA repair. By inhibiting these enzymes, Talazoparib prevents cancer cells from repairing their DNA, leading to cell death. This mechanism is particularly effective in cancers with certain genetic mutations that already impair DNA repair processes.

Is Talazoparib effective?

Talazoparib has been shown to be effective in treating certain types of breast and prostate cancer. In clinical trials, it demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival for patients with HER2-negative breast cancer and HRR gene-mutated metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. These results support its use as an effective treatment option for these conditions.

What is Talazoparib?

Talazoparib is used to treat certain types of breast and prostate cancer. It works by inhibiting PARP enzymes, which play a role in DNA repair. By blocking these enzymes, Talazoparib helps prevent cancer cells from repairing their DNA, leading to cell death. This makes it effective in treating cancers with specific genetic mutations.

Directions for Use

For how long do I take Talazoparib?

Talazoparib is typically used until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs. The exact duration of use can vary depending on the individual's response to treatment and the specific type of cancer being treated. It is important to follow the guidance of a healthcare provider regarding the duration of treatment.

How do I take Talazoparib?

Talazoparib should be taken once daily, with or without food. The capsules should be swallowed whole and not opened or dissolved. There are no specific food restrictions while taking Talazoparib, but it is important to follow any additional dietary advice provided by your healthcare provider.

How should I store Talazoparib?

Talazoparib should be stored at room temperature, between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), with excursions permitted between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). It should be kept in its original container, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Avoid storing it in the bathroom to prevent exposure to moisture.

What is the usual dose of Talazoparib?

The usual daily dose of Talazoparib for adults with breast cancer is 1 mg taken orally once daily. For adults with prostate cancer, the dose is 0.5 mg taken orally once daily in combination with enzalutamide. Talazoparib is not recommended for use in children, as its safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients.

Warnings and Precautions

Can I take Talazoparib with other prescription drugs?

Talazoparib should not be coadministered with strong P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitors like itraconazole, amiodarone, and verapamil, as they can increase Talazoparib concentrations and the risk of adverse reactions. If coadministration cannot be avoided, a dose reduction of Talazoparib is recommended. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medications.

Can Talazoparib be taken safely while breastfeeding?

Women should not breastfeed while taking Talazoparib and for at least 1 month after the last dose due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed child. It is important to discuss alternative feeding options with a healthcare provider during this time.

Can Talazoparib be taken safely while pregnant?

Talazoparib can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman, based on its mechanism of action and animal studies. Women of reproductive potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for 7 months after the last dose. Men with female partners of reproductive potential should use contraception during treatment and for 4 months after the last dose. Pregnant women should be informed of the potential risk to the fetus.

Is it safe to exercise while taking Talazoparib?

Talazoparib may cause fatigue, which could potentially limit the ability to exercise. If you experience fatigue or any other symptoms that affect your ability to exercise, it is important to discuss this with your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on how to manage these symptoms and adjust your treatment plan if necessary.

Is Talazoparib safe for the elderly?

In clinical trials, no overall differences in safety or effectiveness of Talazoparib were observed between elderly patients and younger patients. However, as with any medication, elderly patients may be more susceptible to side effects. It is important for elderly patients to be closely monitored by their healthcare provider while taking Talazoparib.

Who should avoid taking Talazoparib?

Important warnings for Talazoparib include the risk of myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloid leukemia (MDS/AML) and myelosuppression, which can lead to anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia. Patients should be monitored for these conditions. Talazoparib can also cause fetal harm, so it is contraindicated in pregnant women. Patients should use effective contraception during treatment and for a specified period after the last dose.