What is Talazoparib used for?

HER2 negative breast cancer with an inherited BRCA gene change that is advanced or has spread; prostate cancer with certain gene changes that has spread, given with enzalutamide.

What are the common side effects of Talazoparib?

Low red blood cells (anemia), which can make you tired or short of breath. Feeling tired or weak. Feeling sick to your stomach or throwing up. Low white blood cells or platelets, which raise your chance of infection or bleeding. Headache. Hair thinning. Not feeling hungry or losing weight. Diarrhea.

When should I call my care team while taking Talazoparib?

A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills; Unusual bruising or bleeding, feeling very weak or tired, or getting infections often; Blood in your urine or stool; Shortness of breath or feeling very weak.

Talazoparib

Say it: tal-a-ZOE-pa-rib · Brand names: Talzenna

Talazoparib is a targeted therapy pill called a PARP inhibitor that stops cancer cells from repairing their damaged DNA.

What it is

Cells use proteins called PARP to fix damaged DNA. Cancer cells with certain gene changes already have trouble fixing DNA. When talazoparib blocks PARP, these cancer cells cannot repair themselves and die.

Often used for

HER2 negative breast cancer with an inherited BRCA gene change that is advanced or has spread
prostate cancer with certain gene changes that has spread, given with enzalutamide

How you get it

Talazoparib is a capsule you take by mouth at home, once a day, with or without food. Your schedule may be different.

Common side effects and what helps

Low red blood cells (anemia), which can make you tired or short of breath. You will have blood tests to check.
Feeling tired or weak. Rest when you need to, and try short walks.
Feeling sick to your stomach or throwing up. Eat small meals and ask your team about anti-nausea medicine.
Low white blood cells or platelets, which raise your chance of infection or bleeding.
Headache. Ask your team which pain medicines are safe.
Hair thinning. This usually grows back after treatment.
Not feeling hungry or losing weight. Try small, frequent meals and snacks.
Diarrhea. Drink plenty of fluids. Tell your team early, since they may give you medicine to help.

Call your care team right away if you have

A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills
Unusual bruising or bleeding, feeling very weak or tired, or getting infections often
Blood in your urine or stool
Shortness of breath or feeling very weak

Before you start, tell your team

If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
If you have kidney problems
All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take, since some can change how this medicine works

Good to know

You will have blood tests to check your blood counts before starting and every month.
Rarely, it can cause a serious blood or bone marrow cancer. Tell your team if you feel very tired, lose weight, bruise easily, or get fevers or infections often.
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 the capsule at about the same time each day.
Swallow the capsule whole. Do not open or dissolve it.
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?
Do I have a gene change that this medicine targets?
Should my family members think about genetic testing?
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 Talazoparib?: Talazoparib is a targeted therapy pill called a PARP inhibitor that stops cancer cells from repairing their damaged DNA. Brand names: Talzenna.
What is Talazoparib used for?: HER2 negative breast cancer with an inherited BRCA gene change that is advanced or has spread; prostate cancer with certain gene changes that has spread, given with enzalutamide.
How is Talazoparib given?: Talazoparib is a capsule you take by mouth at home, once a day, with or without food. Your schedule may be different.
What are the common side effects of Talazoparib?: Low red blood cells (anemia), which can make you tired or short of breath. Feeling tired or weak. Feeling sick to your stomach or throwing up. Low white blood cells or platelets, which raise your chance of infection or bleeding. Headache. Hair thinning. Not feeling hungry or losing weight. Diarrhea.
When should I call my care team while taking Talazoparib?: A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills; Unusual bruising or bleeding, feeling very weak or tired, or getting infections often; Blood in your urine or stool; Shortness of breath or feeling very weak.

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.