Tykerb

Tykerb is commonly prescribed for treating breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body in people who have not responded well to other medications. The drug helps to slow down the growth of cancer cells by binding to receptors inside them. Unlike other cancer medications, Tykerb comes in tablet form. Potential side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and insomnia.

Tykerb for Breast Cancer

What Is Tykerb?

Tykerb^® (lapatinib) is a prescription medication used to treat breast cancer. It is used in combination with Xeloda^® (capecitabine), a chemotherapy medication. Unlike many cancer medications, both Tykerb and Xeloda are taken by mouth, not by IV (intravenously). It is used to treat a certain type of breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body and that has not responded to other treatments.

(Click Tykerb Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes Tykerb?

Tykerb is made by GlaxoSmithKline.

How Does It Work?

Tykerb belongs to a group of medications called tyrosine kinase inhibitors. It works inside of cancer cells. Tykerb binds to the inside of two types of receptors: epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and human epidermal receptor type 2 (HER2). These two receptors are important for the growth of breast cancer and cells, and Tykerb (when used in combination with Xeloda) helps to slow down the growth of cancer cells.

Effects

In one study, Tykerb was added to Xeloda for treating breast cancer that had spread to other parts of the body.

The people in this study had already tried other types of chemotherapy medications unsuccessfully. Those who took the combination of Tykerb plus Xeloda had a longer time before their cancer became worse (27.1 weeks on average, compared to 18.6 weeks for those taking just Xeloda).

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