Eribulin
- Medical Review: Kathryn Marino, MSN, FNP-C
Eribulin (Halaven) is a chemotherapy that is used to treat metastatic breast cancer.
Below, you can learn more about how eribulin works, previous treatment requirements, how eribulin is given, common side effects, and things to let your care team know.
How eribulin works
Eribulin works by blocking cancer cell growth by stopping mitosis, the process of cells dividing. It interferes with the growth phase of microtubules, the structures of the cell that help move information inside cells during mitosis.
Eribulin is part of a class of drugs called microtubule inhibitors.
Who gets eribulin
Eribulin is FDA approved to treat metastatic breast cancer that was previously treated with at least two chemotherapy regimens for metastatic disease.
Previous treatment should have included both of the following types of chemotherapy for either early-stage or metastatic breast cancer:
- An anthracycline, such as doxorubicin (Adriamycin) or epirubicin (Ellence)
- A taxane, such as docetaxel (Taxotere) or paclitaxel (Taxol)
Studies show this medicine is especially effective in treating HER2-negative (regardless of hormone receptor status) and triple-negative metastatic breast cancer.
How eribulin is given
Eribulin is usually taken on its own. It is given by vein, usually once a week for 2 weeks, followed by 1 week off. You and your doctor will discuss how many cycles you will have.
Side effects and things to remember
The most common side effects of eribulin include:
Talk with your care team about how to manage these side effects.
Other side effects include:
Before starting eribulin, be sure to tell your doctor about any medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicines. To reduce the risk of interactions, always let your doctor know if you are planning on starting any new medicines, vitamins, or supplements.
Let your healthcare team know if you have heart or kidney problems.
Your care team may consider monitoring your electrolytes (minerals in your body such as sodium, potassium, and calcium) to reduce the risk of a heart issue called QT prolongation.
This medicine is not used in people who were born with long QT syndrome, a condition that causes irregular heartbeat.
You should avoid becoming pregnant while you are receiving eribulin. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant or may be pregnant while you are undergoing treatment.
Your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse can help you manage your side effects. You can also visit our section on side effects for more information.
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Reviewed and updated: May 28, 2026
Reviewed by: Kathryn Marino, MSN, FNP-C
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Living Beyond Breast Cancer is a national nonprofit organization that seeks to create a world that understands there is more than one way to have breast cancer. To fulfill its mission of providing trusted information and a community of support to those impacted by the disease, Living Beyond Breast Cancer offers on-demand emotional, practical, and evidence-based content. For over 30 years, the organization has remained committed to creating a culture of acceptance — where sharing the diversity of the lived experience of breast cancer fosters self-advocacy and hope. For more information, learn more about our programs and services.