Talzenna
Talzenna (talazoparib) is a targeted therapy that’s used to treat certain types of breast cancer. It’s also taken together with another cancer medication to treat certain metastatic prostate cancers. Talzenna (talazoparib) is available as a capsule that’s taken by mouth once a day. Common side effects include fatigue and low blood cell counts that might require blood transfusions.
What is Talzenna (talazoparib)?
What is Talzenna (talazoparib) used for?
Advanced or metastatic HER2-negative breast cancer with certain mutations in the BRCA gene
Metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer with HRR gene mutations; taken with Xtandi (enzalutamide)
How Talzenna (talazoparib) works
Talzenna (talazoparib) is a PARP inhibitor, which means it blocks the PARP protein from working. The PARP protein normally helps cells, including cancer cells, grow and survive by fixing damaged DNA. By blocking PARP from working, Talzenna (talazoparib) prevents cancer cells from repairing their DNA, which kills the cancer cells.
Drug Facts
What are the side effects of Talzenna (talazoparib)?
Common Side Effects
- Low blood cell counts (up to 90%)
- Fatigue (62%)
- High blood sugar levels (54%)
- Nausea (49%)
- Signs of stress to the liver on blood tests (up to 37%)
- Headache (33%)
Other Side Effects
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Not feeling hungry
- Hair loss
Serious Side Effects
- Low blood cell counts: unusual bleeding or bruising, fever, feeling very tired
Source: DailyMed
The following side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
- Low red blood cell level—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Pros and cons of Talzenna (talazoparib)
Pros
Is a capsule that’s taken by mouth once a day, so it’s a convenient option
A type of targeted therapy, so it works on specific cancer cells
Recommended option as single-medication treatment for advanced or metastatic HER2-negative breast cancer with certain BRCA mutations
Cons
Commonly causes fatigue and nausea
Can cause low red blood cell counts, which might require blood transfusions
Must have specific mutations in your cancer to be able to take this medication
Pharmacist tips for Talzenna (talazoparib)
You can take Talzenna (talazoparib) with or without food. Swallow the capsules whole; don’t open, crush, chew, or dissolve them.
If you vomit or miss a Talzenna (talazoparib) dose, don’t make up the dose. Take your regular dose at the next scheduled time.
If your provider prescribed you an anti-nausea medication to go along with your cancer treatment, it might help to take your anti-nausea medication 30 minutes to an hour before your Talzenna (talazoparib) dose. This can help prevent or ease nausea from your cancer medication.
Make sure to provide your healthcare team with a complete list of medications, supplements, and herbals you’re taking. Talzenna (talazoparib) can interact with many medications and supplements. These interactions can raise Talzenna (talazoparib) levels in the body and raise your risk for side effects. Your providers can make sure all your medications and supplements are safe to take with Talzenna (talazoparib).
Talzenna (talazoparib) can harm an unborn baby if it’s taken during pregnancy. Make sure to use reliable birth control while taking this medication and for at least 7 months after your last dose if you’re able to become pregnant.
If you’re male and have a partner who can have children, use effective birth control (e.g., condoms) while taking Talzenna (talazoparib) and for at least 4 months after the last dose to prevent harm to an unborn baby.
Avoid breastfeeding while you’re taking Talzenna (talazoparib) and for at least 1 month after your last dose of medication. It’s not known whether Talzenna (talazoparib) is safe for those who are breastfeeding or for breastfed babies.
Frequently asked questions about Talzenna (talazoparib)
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What are the risks and warnings for Talzenna (talazoparib)?
Talzenna (talazoparib) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Low blood cell counts (bone marrow suppression)
Talzenna (talazoparib) can lower your bone marrow’s ability to make blood cells. Low amounts of blood cells can raise your chance of bleeding and make you more likely to get infections, which could be life-threatening.
Your provider will order blood tests for you to keep track of your blood cell counts. You’ll probably need to stop Talzenna (talazoparib) treatment if they notice your blood cell counts are dropping too low. You might need transfusions if your red blood cell counts are low. Once your blood cells recover, you’ll typically be able to restart treatment but at a lower dose to prevent further side effects.
Contact your provider right away if you suddenly have unusual bleeding or bruising, muscle weakness, or changes in your speech and vision or if you develop a fever. These can be signs of low blood cell counts.
Blood cancers
Risk factors: Previous treatment with platinum chemotherapy or radiation
Although rare, some people who took Talzenna (talazoparib) during clinical trials developed other cancers, such as certain types of blood cancers. This happened more commonly in people who had previous treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy or radiation. Before you start taking Talzenna (talazoparib), your provider will make sure your blood cell counts are normal. Your provider will also check your blood tests to look for signs of any new cancer during treatment. Talk with your healthcare provider about your risk of developing new cancers while taking Talzenna (talazoparib).
Harm to unborn baby
Let your provider know if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Based on findings from animal studies, Talzenna (talazoparib) can harm unborn babies when taken during pregnancy. If you’re able to become pregnant, use reliable birth control while taking this medication and for at least 7 months after your last dose. If you’re male and have a partner who can have children, continue using effective birth control (e.g., condoms) while taking Talzenna (talazoparib) and for at least 4 months after the last dose.
Talzenna (talazoparib) dosage forms
Typical dosing for Talzenna (talazoparib)
Your dose depends on your cancer.
Breast cancer: The typical dose is 1 mg by mouth once a day.
Prostate cancer: The typical dose is 0.5 mg by mouth once a day.
Your provider might adjust your Talzenna (talazoparib) dose depending on your kidney function, any side effects you have, and the other medications you’re taking.
What are alternatives to Talzenna (talazoparib)?
Advanced or metastatic HER2-negative breast cancer with certain mutations in the BRCA gene
Metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer with HRR gene mutations; taken with Xtandi (enzalutamide)
Advanced or recurrent ovarian cancer after treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy
HER2-negative early or metastatic breast cancer with inherited BRCA mutations, typically after initial treatment
Pancreatic cancer with inherited BRCA mutations, after treatment with first-choice platinum-based chemotherapy
Metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer with BRCA or HRR gene mutations
What is the latest news about Talzenna (talazoparib)?
Talzenna (talazoparib) images
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References
Best studies we foundAmerican Cancer Society. (n.d.). Targeted therapy.
American Cancer Society. (2020). Second cancers related to treatment.
American Cancer Society. (2022). Breast cancer HER2 status.
American Cancer Society. (2023). Kinds of blood product transfusions.
Javle, M., et al. (2011). The role of PARP in DNA repair and its therapeutic exploitation. British Journal of Cancer.
MedlinePlus. (2022). Complete blood count (CBC).
National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Myelosuppression.
National Cancer Institute. (2020). BRCA gene mutations: Cancer risk and genetic testing.
National Cancer Institute. (2022). Targeted therapy to treat cancer.
National Cancer Institute. (2023). Nausea and vomiting related to cancer treatment (PDQ®)–Health professional version.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2023). Metastatic breast cancer.
Pfizer Laboratories Div Pfizer Inc. (2023). Talzenna- talazoparib capsule [package insert]. DailyMed.
Scott, R. J., et al. (2021). Genetic testing for homologous recombination repair (HRR) in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC): Challenges and solutions. Oncotarget.
Stewart, M. D., et al. (2022). Homologous recombination deficiency: Concepts, definitions, and assays. The Oncologist.
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