Capivasertib
Say it: kap-ih-va-SER-tib · Brand names: Truqap
Capivasertib is a targeted therapy pill that blocks AKT, a protein that helps some breast cancers grow.
What it is
Some breast cancers have changes in genes called PIK3CA, AKT1, or PTEN. These changes keep a growth signal turned on through a protein called AKT. Capivasertib blocks AKT and is given with fulvestrant.
Often used for
- hormone receptor positive, HER2 negative breast cancer with a PIK3CA, AKT1, or PTEN gene change that is advanced or has spread, given with fulvestrant
How you get it
Capivasertib is a pill you take by mouth at home, twice a day, about 12 hours apart, with or without food. It is taken for 4 days in a row, then not taken for 3 days, each week. Your schedule may be different.
Common side effects and what helps
- Diarrhea. Drink plenty of fluids. Tell your team early, since they may give you medicine to help.
- Rash. Use gentle soap and fragrance free lotion.
- High blood sugar. Your team will check it often.
- Feeling sick to your stomach or throwing up. Eat small meals and ask your team about anti-nausea medicine.
- Feeling tired or weak. Rest when you need to, and try short walks.
- Mouth sores. Brush gently with a soft toothbrush and rinse with a mild salt water rinse. Avoid spicy foods.
- Throwing up. Ask your team about anti-nausea medicine.
Call your care team right away if you have
- Signs of high blood sugar, such as feeling very thirsty, peeing a lot, or feeling confused
- Diarrhea that does not get better with the medicine your team gave you, or more than 4 to 6 loose stools in a day
- A rash with blisters, peeling skin, or sores in your mouth or eyes
- Feeling dizzy or faint, or not able to keep fluids down
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills
Before you start, tell your team
- If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- If you have diabetes or high blood sugar
- All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take, since some can change how this medicine works
Good to know
- You will have blood sugar tests before and during treatment, more often at first.
- Diarrhea and skin reactions can be serious.
- This medicine can harm an unborn baby. Use birth control during treatment and for some time after. Ask your team how long.
At home
- Take it on the 4 days on, 3 days off schedule your team gives you. A calendar can help.
- Swallow the tablets whole.
- If you miss a dose or throw up after taking it, ask your team what to do. Do not take extra pills to make up for it.
- Store the pills at room temperature in the original bottle, away from children and pets.
Questions to ask
- How long will I take this medicine?
- Which days of the week should I take it?
- How often will my blood sugar be checked?
- Which side effects should I call about right away, and which can wait until my next visit?
Side effect guides
Sources
Quick answers
- What is Capivasertib?
- Capivasertib is a targeted therapy pill that blocks AKT, a protein that helps some breast cancers grow. Brand names: Truqap.
- What is Capivasertib used for?
- hormone receptor positive, HER2 negative breast cancer with a PIK3CA, AKT1, or PTEN gene change that is advanced or has spread, given with fulvestrant.
- How is Capivasertib given?
- Capivasertib is a pill you take by mouth at home, twice a day, about 12 hours apart, with or without food. It is taken for 4 days in a row, then not taken for 3 days, each week. Your schedule may be different.
- What are the common side effects of Capivasertib?
- Diarrhea. Rash. High blood sugar. Feeling sick to your stomach or throwing up. Feeling tired or weak. Mouth sores. Throwing up.
- When should I call my care team while taking Capivasertib?
- Signs of high blood sugar, such as feeling very thirsty, peeing a lot, or feeling confused; Diarrhea that does not get better with the medicine your team gave you, or more than 4 to 6 loose stools in a day; A rash with blisters, peeling skin, or sores in your mouth or eyes; Feeling dizzy or faint, or not able to keep fluids down; A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills.
Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.