New Rx May Keep Breast Cancer Away

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a medication meant to prevent breast cancer from returning.

The FDA approved Nerlynx (neratinib) to lower the risk of breast cancer returning in those who had previously been treated with trastuzumab for HER2-positive breast cancer.

According to the FDA, 15 percent of those with breast cancer have tumors that are HER2-positive. HER2-positive stands for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive. HER2 is a protein found in breast cancer cells that controls cancer growth and spread.

Neratinib is considered an extended adjuvant therapy, which is a type of treatment that is taken after an initial therapy to further reduce the risk of cancer returning.

This medication is available in tablet form and is to be taken once a day with food for one year. Common side effects include nausea, stomach pain, feeling tired and diarrhea. Those taking neratinib will be given a medication to help manage diarrhea.

Neratinib is not recommended in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding because it can harm an unborn baby or a newborn.

This medication is manufactured for Puma Biotechnology Inc.