Medications like Talzenna can come with potential side effects. Here's some advice on how to manage these issues.

Managing Side Effects of Talzenna: Steps to Take When Problems Arise

The long-term side effects of Talzenna, a medication used to treat certain types of breast and prostate cancer, primarily involve hematologic toxicities and a risk of serious adverse events. These effects have been observed in clinical trials for both metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and HER2-negative breast cancer with BRCA mutations.

Key long-term side effects include anemia, neutropenia, and fatigue. Anemia, a low red blood cell count, can lead to symptoms such as pale-looking skin, fatigue, cold intolerance, shortness of breath, and difficulty concentrating. Neutropenia, a significant drop in white blood cell counts, increases the risk of infections.

Grade 3-4 anemia has been reported in up to 49% of patients, sometimes leading to discontinuation of therapy, while grade 3-4 neutropenia occurs in about 19% of patients [1][3]. Fatigue is a common and persistent side effect, often reported alongside blood count drops and nausea [1][3].

Serious adverse events occur in around 42% of patients at grade 3 or higher severity, including hematologic and non-hematologic toxicities [1]. Other symptoms patients may experience include nausea, vomiting, bleeding tendencies (such as bleeding gums, blood in urine/stools), bone pain, and infections due to immunosuppression [5].

Talzenna is often combined with enzalutamide for prostate cancer, and treatment requires genetic testing due to the indication for HRR gene mutations in prostate cancer and BRCA mutations in breast cancer [4][5]. Long-term use requires careful monitoring of blood counts and management of symptoms. Discontinuation or dose adjustments may be necessary in severe cases.

While no extensive data suggest cumulative organ toxicity such as liver damage as a direct effect of talazoparib, continuous medical supervision is essential. Some side effects of Talzenna, like anemia and neutropenia, were commonly reported in clinical trials.

Patients should be aware that Talzenna can cause a low count of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) in the blood, increasing the risk of infections. Symptoms of infections caused by low neutrophil count can include cough, fever, difficulty breathing, and flu-like symptoms such as body aches.

Taking certain steps, such as washing hands regularly, sanitizing surfaces, and limiting contact with other people when feeling unwell, may help reduce the risk of infection while on Talzenna. If frequent infections occur, a doctor may take a blood sample to test the neutrophil level and may recommend temporarily stopping Talzenna or a different treatment.

Talzenna may also cause thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), myelodysplastic syndrome (certain cancers that affect blood or bone marrow), and severe allergic reactions. Symptoms of thrombocytopenia can include nosebleeds, bruising or bleeding more easily, and bleeding from cuts that last longer than is typical. Symptoms of myelodysplastic syndrome can include fatigue, frequent infections, bruising or bleeding more easily, and shortness of breath.

If you develop a side effect while taking Talzenna and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include skin rash, itching, flushing, swelling under the skin, swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing. If experiencing a mild allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. For serious symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

It's important to note that if you have a kidney problem, talk with your doctor before taking Talzenna, as the kidneys help remove drugs from the system, and your body may have difficulty removing Talzenna with a kidney condition. Talzenna may not be the right treatment option for individuals with kidney problems, blood cell disorders, or a history of allergic reaction to Talzenna or its ingredients.

In summary, the predominant long-term side effects are blood-related toxicities (anemia, neutropenia), fatigue, and serious adverse events related to these hematologic effects in patients treated for breast and prostate cancers with talazoparib.