Uses
What is Talzenna used for?
Talzenna (talazoparib) is commonly used to treat certain breast and prostate cancers.
Talzenna may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Talzenna work (mechanism of action)?
Talzenna is a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor. PARP inhibitors work by blocking a protein in cancer cells that repairs damaged DNA and prevents the cells from dying. When a PARP inhibitor blocks this protein, it stops the DNA repair of the cancer cells so that the cells will die and the tumor will shrink.
How is Talzenna supplied (dosage forms)?
Talzenna is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 0.1 mg oral capsules
- 0.25 mg oral capsules
- 0.35 mg oral capsules
- 0.5 mg oral capsules
- 0.75 mg oral capsules
- 1 mg oral capsules
How should I store Talzenna?
Talzenna 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.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Talzenna?
The most common side effects of Talzenna are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the condition being treated. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Blood cell disorders (see below)
- Tiredness
- High blood sugar
- Changes in liver function tests
- Low calcium levels, also called hypocalcemia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Hair loss
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
There may be other side effects of Talzenna 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 Talzenna?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Talzenna are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Talzenna may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Talzenna and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Blood Cell Disorders. Talzenna can cause blood disorders, such as anemia, low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia), and low white blood cells (neutropenia). Stop taking Talzenna and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Pale or yellowish skin
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Frequent infection
- Unusual weakness or tiredness
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
- Headache
- Fast or abnormal heartbeat
Blood Disorders or Cancer. Talzenna may increase the risk of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), which are blood disorders where your body does not make enough healthy blood cells. Tazenna may also raise the risk of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which is a type of blood cancer. These conditions have been reported by a small number of people who used Talzenna, and most happened months to years later. Keep all appointments to check your blood work after Talzenna treatment.
- Tiredness or weakness
- Weight loss
- Frequent infections
- Fever
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Shortness of breath
- Blood in pee or poop
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Talzenna?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Talzenna.
- Talzenna
- Talazoparib
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Talzenna.
What should I know about Talzenna before using it?
Do not take Talzenna unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share Talzenna with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Talzenna out of the reach of children.
Swallow Talzenna capsules whole and do not crush, chew, dissolve, or open the capsule.
Depending on the cancer you have, your healthcare provider may prescribe another medicine to take while you are taking Talzenna. Be sure to keep taking any other medicines as prescribed while you are taking Talzenna.
Your healthcare provider will do blood tests while you are taking Talzenna to make sure it is safe for you. It is important to keep all appointments with your healthcare provider so they can monitor your blood work. If you miss an appointment, contact them right away to reschedule it.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Talzenna?
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 Talzenna is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have kidney problems.
Pregnancy. Talzenna may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. You must not be pregnant before starting Talzenna. If you can become pregnant, use effective birth control while taking Talzenna and for at least seven months after your last dose. If you are assigned male at birth and have a partner that can become pregnant, use effective birth control during treatment with Talzenna and for at least four months after your last dose.
Breastfeeding. Do not take Talzenna while you are breastfeeding and do not breastfeed for at least one month after your last dose. It is not known if Talzenna passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Infertility. Talzenna may cause fertility problems in people who were assigned male at birth. Talk with your healthcare professional if this is a concern for you.
Other Medicines and Supplements. Talzenna may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Talzenna, 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 for more details.
How can I get more information about Talzenna?
For more information about Talzenna, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.talzenna.com or call them at 877-744-5675.
Interactions
Does Talzenna interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Talzenna and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Talzenna.
Does Talzenna interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
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 taking Talzenna.
- Itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura), which is a medicine used for fungal infections
- Amiodarone (Pacerone and others), which is a medicine used for an irregular heart rhythm
- Carvedilol, which is a medicine that may be used for certain heart conditions or to reduce blood pressure
- Clarithromycin, which is a medicine used for bacterial infections
- Verapamil (Verelan, Verelan PM), which is a medicine used for high blood pressure or chest pain
Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of Talzenna. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Talzenna. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Talzenna?
If you or someone else has used too much Talzenna, 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 Talzenna?
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take double or extra doses.
If you vomit after taking Talzenna, do not repeat that dose or take an extra one. Instead, take your next regular dose at the usual time.
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