Halaven (Eribulin)

Halaven is indicated for use in adult patients with specific metastatic solid tumours.

• Treatment of metastatic breast cancer that has progressed after prior chemotherapy regimens.
• Therapy for unresectable or metastatic liposarcoma in patients who have received prior anthracycline‑containing therapy.
• Use as a single‑agent option when other standard systemic therapies are not suitable.
• Administration in a controlled clinical setting under oncologist supervision.
• Consideration for use in combination with supportive care measures as directed by the treating physician.

The safety profile of Halaven includes a range of adverse events that vary in frequency and severity.

Common

• Fatigue
• Neutropenia
• Anemia
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Nausea
• Decreased appetite

Serious

• Febrile neutropenia
• Severe infection
• Pulmonary toxicity (interstitial pneumonitis)
• Cardiac dysfunction
• Thrombocytopenia with bleeding risk

Before initiating Halaven, clinicians should evaluate several precautionary factors to minimise risk.

• Assess baseline blood counts and organ function (liver, kidney) prior to each cycle.
• Monitor for signs of infection, especially in neutropenic patients.
• Evaluate cardiac status, as eribulin may affect left ventricular function.
• Use caution in patients with pre‑existing peripheral neuropathy.
• Avoid use during pregnancy; discuss contraception with women of child‑bearing potential.
• Adjust dose in patients with hepatic impairment according to prescribing information.
• Provide patient education on recognizing fever or respiratory symptoms.

Halaven may interact with other medicines, influencing its efficacy or safety.

Avoid

• Concurrent use of strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine) that may reduce eribulin exposure.
• Live vaccines during treatment due to immunosuppression.

Use with caution

• Co‑administration of other myelosuppressive agents (e.g., cyclophosphamide, paclitaxel) may increase risk of cytopenias.
• Antifungal azoles that inhibit CYP3A4, potentially raising eribulin levels.
• Drugs that prolong QT interval; monitor cardiac rhythm.
• Concomitant use of anticoagulants, as thrombocytopenia may enhance bleeding risk.