Neratinib is used to treat breast cancer. Learn how to use the medication, its common side effects, special precautions to watch out for, and more.
Neratinib is used to treat HER2-positive breast cancer.
It may be used on its own or together with another medication called Capecitabine.
If you forget to take a dose, skip the missed dose, and take it at the next scheduled time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.
The table below will list some of the common side effects as well as the rare but serious side effects.
Side Effect |
Management |
Diarrhoea (loose and frequent stools) |
|
Nausea or vomiting This is usually mild. |
|
Abdominal pain |
|
Feeling tired or lack of energy |
|
Mouth ulcers or sores. This may occur on the tongue, the sides of the mouth or in the throat and can lead to an infection |
|
Dry skin and rash |
|
Poor appetite |
|
Liver problems |
|
Drug Allergy Symptoms may include:
|
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It is normal to experience some side effects from Neratinib. As discussed with your doctor, taking Neratinib will be beneficial for your condition. Do not stop taking Neratinib without checking with your doctor.
Store in a cool and dry place at 30 degrees Celsius or below, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.
Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.
Tips to help manage your condition while you are on Neratinib
Exercise | Light exercise is recommended as it helps to improve mobility, balance, and even emotional well-being. Avoid strenuous exercise, and rest when you are feeling tired. |
Adequate hydration | Maintain adequate hydration with 2 to 3 litres of fluids per day unless you have been informed by your doctor to restrict fluids. This will decrease your chances of getting constipation and prevent dehydration. |
Medical and dental treatment | If you need to go to the hospital for any reason other than cancer, always inform the doctors and nurses that you are receiving anti-cancer treatment. Talk to your cancer doctor if you think you need dental treatment. Always inform your dentist that you are receiving anti-cancer treatment. |
Seek support if you feel overwhelmed | It is normal to feel fearful or worried about your condition. Do not be afraid to talk about your concerns with your healthcare team or loved ones. There may be resources and support available to help you. |
Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.
If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.
This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.
Last updated on Apr 2025
This article was last reviewed on Monday, April 28, 2025