Eribulin
Say it: air-ih-BYOO-lin · Brand names: Halaven
Eribulin is a chemotherapy medicine that stops cancer cells from dividing.
What it is
Cells need tiny inner tubes to split into two new cells. Eribulin blocks these tubes from growing. The cancer cell cannot divide and dies.
Often used for
- breast cancer that has spread
- liposarcoma (a type of fat tissue cancer) that has spread
How you get it
Eribulin is given through a vein (IV) in a clinic. It takes about 2 to 5 minutes. It is usually given on day 1 and day 8 of a 3 week cycle. Your schedule may be different.
Common side effects and what helps
- Low white blood cell count. Wash your hands often and stay away from sick people.
- Feeling tired or weak. Rest and short walks can help.
- Hair loss. A soft hat or scarf can help.
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet. Be careful with hot water and sharp things.
- Upset stomach. Eat small meals and take nausea medicine as your team tells you.
- Constipation. Drink fluids and ask about a stool softener.
Call your care team right away if you have
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher
- Chills, a sore throat, a cough, or burning when you pee (signs of infection)
- A fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat, or feeling faint
- Numbness or tingling that makes it hard to walk or use your hands
- Throwing up or diarrhea so bad you cannot keep fluids down
Before you start, tell your team
- If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- If you have heart rhythm problems, such as long QT
- If you have liver or kidney problems
- All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take
Good to know
- You will have blood tests before each treatment to check your blood counts.
- It can change the heart rhythm. You may have a heart tracing test (EKG) and blood tests for salts like potassium.
- Your dose may be lowered or held if nerve problems get worse.
- It can harm an unborn baby. Use birth control during treatment and for a while after, as your team tells you.
Questions to ask
- How often will I get this, and for how long?
- Will I need heart tests?
- What should I do if my hands or feet tingle?
- What birth control should I use?
Side effect guides
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Hair loss
- Low white blood cells and infection risk
- Neuropathy (numbness and tingling)
Sources
Quick answers
- What is Eribulin?
- Eribulin is a chemotherapy medicine that stops cancer cells from dividing. Brand names: Halaven.
- What is Eribulin used for?
- breast cancer that has spread; liposarcoma (a type of fat tissue cancer) that has spread.
- How is Eribulin given?
- Eribulin is given through a vein (IV) in a clinic. It takes about 2 to 5 minutes. It is usually given on day 1 and day 8 of a 3 week cycle. Your schedule may be different.
- What are the common side effects of Eribulin?
- Low white blood cell count. Feeling tired or weak. Hair loss. Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet. Upset stomach. Constipation.
- When should I call my care team while taking Eribulin?
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher; Chills, a sore throat, a cough, or burning when you pee (signs of infection); A fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat, or feeling faint; Numbness or tingling that makes it hard to walk or use your hands; Throwing up or diarrhea so bad you cannot keep fluids down.
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.