Truqap
Truqap (capivasertib) is a prescription anticancer medication used with fulvestrant for certain types of advanced or metastatic breast cancer. It’s FDA approved to treat HR+, HER2- breast cancer with specific genetic changes (PIK3CA, AKT1, or PTEN) that have worsened after prior treatment. It comes as a pill that you take by mouth twice a day, in cycles of 4 days on and 3 days off. Common side effects are diarrhea, nausea, rash, and high blood sugar levels.
What is Truqap (capivasertib)?
What is Truqap (capivasertib) used for?
- Advanced or metastatic (HR+, HER2-) breast cancer with certain genetic changes after previous treatment no longer works, used together with fulvestrant
How Truqap (capivasertib) works
Truqap (capivasertib) is a kinase inhibitor. It works by blocking a protein called AKT, which normally helps cancer cells grow and survive. Some breast cancers have changes in genes like PIK3CA, AKT1, or PTEN that make this protein more active.
By blocking AKT, Truqap (capivasertib) prevents the cancer from growing and spreading.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Truqap |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Kinase inhibitor |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Truqap (capivasertib)
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
- Diarrhea (77%)
- Higher blood sugar levels (up to 58%)
- Skin problems (56%)
- Lower blood cell counts (up to 49%)
- Tiredness (38%)
- Nausea (35%)
- Higher triglyceride levels (30%)
- Mouth sores (25%)
- Vomiting (21%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Reduced appetite
- Headache
- Urinary tract infection
- Kidney problems
- Lower electrolyte levels in the blood
Truqap (capivasertib) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- High blood sugar levels: excessive thirst, dry mouth, urinating more, blurred vision, increased appetite with weight loss, stomach pain, unusual tiredness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, fruity odor on breath, dry or flushed skin, difficulty breathing, sleepiness
- Diarrhea: loose or watery stool, dizziness, black or bloody stools
- Skin problems: rash, blisters, skin burning, skin peeling, fever, dry skin
The following Truqap (capivasertib) 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
- High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)—increased thirst or amount of urine, unusual weakness or fatigue, blurry vision
- Rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes
- Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
- Severe or prolonged diarrhea
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 Truqap (capivasertib)
Pros
- Pill taken by mouth
- FDA approved for cancers with specific genetic changes
- Another option for cancers that have worsened after hormonal treatment
Cons
- Must be taken on a specific schedule
- Must take together with fulvestrant injections
- Commonly causes diarrhea, rash, and high blood sugar levels
Pharmacist tips for Truqap (capivasertib)
- Take Truqap (capivasertib) twice a day at about the same times each day. Use it for 4 days in a row, then take 3 days off. You can take it with or without food.
- Swallow Truqap (capivasertib) tablets whole with a glass of water. Don’t chew, crush, or split them.
- If you miss a dose of Truqap (capivasertib) and it’s within 4 hours of your usual time, take it as soon as you remember. If more than 4 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time.
- If you throw up after taking Truqap (capivasertib), don’t take another dose. Just wait until your next scheduled dose.
- Truqap (capivasertib) commonly causes diarrhea. Drink plenty of fluids, start antidiarrheal treatment if needed. Make sure to contact your care team if it happens.
- Truqap (capivasertib) can cause skin reactions like rash or peeling skin. Contact your care team right away if you notice new or worsening skin changes.
- Truqap (capivasertib) can interact with other medications, supplements, and food products. Avoid grapefruit products, and share a full list of everything you take with your care team.
- Truqap (capivasertib) can raise your blood sugar. You’ll need regular blood sugar checks, and you should let your care team if you notice symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, blurry vision, or confusion.
- Pregnancy: Truqap (capivasertib) is likely to cause harm to an unborn baby. If you’re able to have children, use birth control while taking this medication and for 1 month after your last dose. If you’re male and your partner is able to become pregnant, use birth control while taking this medication and for 4 months after the last dose.
- Breastfeeding: Don’t breastfeed while taking Truqap (capivasertib). It might pass into breast milk and could harm your baby.
Risks and warnings for Truqap (capivasertib)
Truqap (capivasertib) 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.
High blood sugar levels
- Risk factors: History of high blood sugars or diabetes
Truqap (capivasertib) can raise your blood sugar, and in rare cases, this can be very serious or life-threatening. Some people can develop very high blood sugar or a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. Blood sugar levels can rise within the first few weeks of starting treatment, so your care team will check your levels regularly.
Before starting Truqap (capivasertib), your care team will check your blood sugar and A1C levels. After you start treatment, you might need to check your blood sugar at home and have regular lab tests. If you already have diabetes, your treatment plan might need to be adjusted.
Watch for symptoms of high blood sugar, such as increased thirst, frequent urination, blurry vision, confusion, or unusual tiredness. Contact your care team right away if you notice these symptoms.
Diarrhea
Truqap (capivasertib) commonly causes diarrhea, which can sometimes be severe and lead to dehydration. Watch for symptoms like loose or watery stools and dizziness, and let your care team know if they happen. Drink plenty of fluids and start antidiarrheal treatment as soon as symptoms begin. Contact your care team if your symptoms are severe or don’t improve.
Skin problems
Truqap (capivasertib) can cause skin problems, which can sometimes be serious. These can include rash, redness, swelling, or skin peeling, and in rare cases, more severe reactions.
Tell your care team right away if you notice new or worsening skin symptoms. They might recommend treatments like steroid creams or other medications, or refer you to a skin specialist.
Harm to unborn baby
Based on animal studies, Truqap (capivasertib) can harm an unborn baby. If you can get pregnant, use birth control while taking it and for 1 month after your last dose. Tell your healthcare team right away if you become pregnant during treatment.
If you’re male and have a partner who can get pregnant, use birth control during treatment and for 4 months after your last dose.
Truqap (capivasertib) dosage
Typical dosage for Truqap (capivasertib)
The typical dose is 400 mg by mouth twice a day, taken in cycles of 4 days on and 3 days off.
Your dose might differ if you have side effects or take other medications that interact with Truqap (capivasertib).
Typically, your oncologist will also prescribe fulvestrant injections with this medication.
What are alternatives to Truqap (capivasertib)?
Truqap (capivasertib) images
