Eribulin
Eribulin is a microtubule inhibitor chemotherapy medication used to treat certain cancers by disrupting cell division. It is primarily indicated for metastatic breast cancer in patients who have received prior chemotherapy, as well as advanced liposarcoma. The drug works by blocking microtubule growth, leading to cell cycle arrest and cancer cell death.
Eribulin is an IV chemotherapy drug that inhibits microtubule function to treat metastatic breast cancer and advanced liposarcoma.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L01XX41
- RxNorm
- 1045453
- Generic
- Eribulin
- Class
- atc-l01
- Brands
- Halaven
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
11 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks to the fetus
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use near term due to risk of labor complications
fetal monitoring and contraction assessment
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingcontraindicated
do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 2 weeks after last dose
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderly 65 and olderno specific dose adjustment required
use with caution and monitor for adverse reactions including neutropenia and peripheral neuropathy
regular monitoring of blood counts and neurological assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
pediatric under 18not recommended
not approved for use in pediatric patients; safety and efficacy not established
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
moderate renal impairmentreduce starting dose to 1.1 mg/m2
use with caution in patients with moderate renal impairment; monitor renal function and adjust dose as needed
regular monitoring of renal function and blood counts
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentreduce starting dose to 0.7-1.1 mg/m2
use with caution in patients with severe renal impairment; consider further dose reduction
close monitoring of renal function and hematologic parameters
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild hepatic impairmentno initial dose adjustment needed
use with caution; monitor liver function tests
regular monitoring of liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate hepatic impairmentreduce starting dose to 1.1 mg/m2
use with caution in patients with moderate hepatic impairment due toChild-Pugh score; monitor closely
close monitoring of liver function and hematologic parameters
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentnot recommended
not recommended for use in patients with severe hepatic impairment
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval for metastatic breast cancer treatment
Drug class
Mechanism of action classification
Common uses
Approved therapeutic indications
Mechanism
Pharmacodynamic mechanism of action
Metastatic breast cancer in patients who have received at least two prior chemotherapy regimens for metastatic disease (including anthracyclines and taxanes); unresectable or advanced liposarcoma in patients who have received prior chemotherapy.
Eribulin inhibits the growth phase of microtubules without affecting the shortening phase, sequesters tubulin into nonproductive aggregates, and induces G2/M cell-cycle block leading to disruption of mitotic spindles and inhibition of cancer cell division.
Administered by intravenous infusion, typically on days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle. Common side effects include neutropenia, leukopenia, anemia, peripheral neuropathy, alopecia, nausea, and fatigue. Requires regular blood count monitoring due to risk of severe neutropenia. Contraindicated in pregnancy; both male and female patients should use effective contraception during treatment.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy