What is Tykerb: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Tykerb overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Tykerb

Generic Names:

  • Tykerb

Uses:

  • Treats breast cancer.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antineoplastic Agent

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Tykerb used for?

Tykerb is an epidermal growth factor receptor medication that is used by cancer patients to prevent the progression of their cancer. Tykerb works by preventing the growth of cancer cells in the body. This prescription only drug is available in an oral tablet form.

What form(s) does Tykerb come in

  • Tablet

What are common Tykerb doses?

  • Tablet 250MG

Common Tykerb prescriptions

  • Tykerb
    250mg tablet

How to take Tykerb

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • This medicine is given together with capecitabine or letrozole. Follow your doctor's instructions on when to take these medicines.

  • Take this medicine at least 1 hour before or 1 hour after a meal. Take all the tablets at the same time.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Take this medicine at least 1 hour before or 1 hour after a meal. Take all the tablets at the same time.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • This medicine is given together with capecitabine or letrozole. Follow your doctor's instructions on when to take these medicines.

What to do if you miss a dose of Tykerb

Tykerb contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to lapatinib, or if you are pregnant.

Tykerb warnings

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Heart problems, including changes in heart rhythmLiver problemsLung problems (including interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis)Serious skin reactions

  • Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, heart disease, heart rhythm problems (including QT prolongation), electrolyte imbalance, or lung disease.

  • Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine and for 1 week after the last dose.

  • Oral routeThis medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for 1 week after the last dose. Male patients with female partners should use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for 1 week after the last dose.

  • Oral routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Tykerb interactions

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Oral routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Heart problems, including changes in heart rhythmLiver problemsLung problemsSerious skin reactions

  • Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

  • Some foods and medicines can affect how lapatinib works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Dexamethasone, digoxin, midazolam, nefazodone, paclitaxel, St John's wortBlood pressure medicineMedicine to treat heart rhythm problemsMedicine to treat an infection (including clarithromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine, voriconazole)Medicine to treat HIV infection (including atazanavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, telithromycin)Medicine to treat seizures (including carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin)

Tykerb side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash

  • Chest pain, cough, trouble breathing

  • Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

  • Severe diarrhea or diarrhea with cramps, nausea, vomiting, or fever

  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, unusual tiredness

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Dry skin

  • Pain in the back, arms, or legs

  • Hair loss or thinning of hair

  • Mild diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting, stomach upset

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