Tazverik
Tazverik (tazemetostat) is a targeted therapy used to treat certain types of cancer. This includes epithelioid sarcoma in people 16 years and older and follicular lymphoma (FL) in adults. Tazverik (tazemetostat) comes as tablets you take by mouth. It’s taken twice a day, with or without food. Common side effects can include low white blood cells, tiredness, and nausea.
Note: Tazverik (tazemetostat) is no longer available. In March 2026, the maker withdrew the medication from the market because of possible safety risks.
What is Tazverik (tazemetostat)?
What is Tazverik (tazemetostat) used for?
- Advanced epithelioid sarcoma that can’t be removed with surgery in people 16 years and older
- Relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) in adults who have an EZH2 mutation or no other treatment options
How Tazverik (tazemetostat) works
Tazverik (tazemetostat) is a targeted cancer medication called an EZH2 inhibitor. It blocks the EZH2 protein, which usually helps control when cells grow. In some cancers, the EZH2 protein doesn’t work the right way and tells cells to grow too much.
By blocking the EZH2 protein, Tazverik (tazemetostat) helps stop cancer cells from growing and spreading.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Tazverik |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | EZH2 inhibitor |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Discontinued |
Side effects of Tazverik (tazemetostat)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Lower white blood cells (up to 57%)
- Higher blood sugar levels (53%)
- Lower hemoglobin levels (50%)
- Lower platelet count (50%)
- Tiredness (36%)
- Upper respiratory tract infection (30%)
- Nausea (24%)
- Muscle, bone, or body pain (22%)
- Stomach pain (20%)
- Higher liver enzyme levels (up to 24%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Hair loss
- Rash
- Cough
- Fever
- Lower respiratory tract infection
- Urinary tract infection
- Other infection
Note: Side effects were from adults with follicular lymphoma. Side effects might differ for people with epithelioid sarcoma.
Pros and cons of Tazverik (tazemetostat)
Pros
- Taken by mouth at home
- A recommended treatment option for certain people with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma
Cons
- Can cause tiredness and nausea
- Can interact with other medications, such as some antifungals, heart medications, and seizure medications
Pharmacist tips for Tazverik (tazemetostat)
- You can take Tazverik (tazemetostat) with or without food. If the medication makes you nauseous or have an upset stomach, try taking it with food next time to help.
- Swallow Tazverik (tazemetostat) tablets whole. Don’t crush, cut, or chew them. If you have trouble swallowing pills, talk to your oncologist.
- For the usual 800 mg dose, you’ll need to take four 200 mg tablets of Tazverik (tazemetostat). Your dose might be lower depending on your oncologist’s instructions. If you’re not sure how many tablets to take, ask your oncologist.
- If you vomit after taking Tazverik (tazemetostat), don’t take an extra dose. Wait until the next time you usually take the medication and take your usual dose.
- If you miss a dose of Tazverik (tazemetostat), skip the missed dose. Wait until your next scheduled time to take your usual dose. Don’t double up on the dose to make up for a missed one because it can raise your risk of side effects.
- Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit while taking Tazverik (tazemetostat). Grapefruit can raise the levels of the cancer medication in your body. This can put you at risk of side effects.
- Give your oncology team an updated list of medications you take. Also tell them about any you plan to start or stop. Tazverik (tazemetostat) can interact with other medications, including some antifungals and heart medications. It can raise the risk of side effects or make your cancer medication work less well. Your care team can check that your medications are safe to take together and make changes if needed.
- If you can become pregnant, use non-hormonal birth control while taking Tazverik (tazemetostat). Keep using birth control for 6 months after your last dose. Don’t use hormonal birth control because it might not work as well to prevent pregnancy while taking Tazverik (tazemetostat). Tell your oncologist right away if you become pregnant while taking this medication. It can cause harm to an unborn baby.
- If you can get someone else pregnant, be sure to use birth control like condoms while you’re taking Tazverik (tazemetostat) and for 3 months after your last dose. This medication can harm an unborn baby. If your partner becomes pregnant, tell your oncologist right away.
- Don’t breastfeed while taking Tazverik (tazemetostat) and for 1 week after your last dose. It’s not clear how the medication affects breastfeeding, but there’s a possible risk to a nursing infant. Talk to your oncologist or a lactation specialist about safer feeding options.
- Ask your oncologist or pharmacist how to safely handle and throw away Tazverik (tazemetostat). Cancer medications can be very harmful to people who touch them or are exposed to them.
Risks and warnings for Tazverik (tazemetostat)
Tazverik (tazemetostat) 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.
Risk of new cancers
Although it’s rare, there’s a higher risk of getting a new cancer after taking Tazverik (tazemetostat). In studies, some people developed myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), or other types of leukemia or lymphoma. Your oncologist will keep checking for new cancers, even after you stop taking Tazverik (tazemetostat).
Harm to an unborn baby
- Risk factors: Pregnancy
Tazverik (tazemetostat) might harm an unborn baby if taken during pregnancy. If you can get pregnant, use effective non-hormonal birth control while taking this medication and for 6 months after your last dose. Hormonal birth control might not work as well during treatment. If you can get someone else pregnant, use birth control like condoms while taking Tazverik (tazemetostat) and for 3 months after stopping the medication
Tazverik (tazemetostat) dosage
Typical dosage for Tazverik (tazemetostat)
The typical dose is 800 mg taken by mouth twice a day.
Your oncologist might lower your dose if you have serious side effects. They might also lower your dose if you take a medication that interacts with Tazverik (tazemetostat).
