Common side effects of Talazoparib (Tazena) and how to deal with them

Talazoparib is a highly active drug among PARP inhibitors. It is mainly used to treat breast cancer and other related tumors carrying BRCA mutations. Although its powerful DNA repair inhibition ability improves anti-tumor activity, it also leads to a certain degree of side effects. Understanding common adverse reactions and countermeasures can help patients improve tolerance, ensure efficacy and reduce the risk of medication interruption. It is an important link that cannot be ignored in clinical treatment.

First of all, hematological side effects The most typical adverse reactions of talazoparib that require the most attention, including anemia, leukopenia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. This is a common effect caused by drugs that inhibit rapidly proliferating cells. During use, if the patient experiences fatigue, pale skin, and reduced activity tolerance, it is usually an indication of anemia; if there are frequent infections or fever, it may indicate leukopenia. In terms of treatment methods, doctors usually decide whether to temporarily stop the drug, reduce the dose, or give symptomatic treatment such as erythropoietin and whitening drugs based on blood routine results. During the treatment cycle, it is recommended to review routine blood tests every 2～4 weeks. If the patient experiences dizziness, palpitations or persistent fever, he or she should seek medical attention immediately.

Secondly, gastrointestinal adverse reactions It is also a common problem in clinical use, including nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal distension and constipation. Although most patients have mild reactions, long-term discomfort may affect nutritional intake and physical strength. Dietary adjustments such as eating smaller meals more frequently and avoiding greasy and irritating foods can be adopted for management. When necessary, the doctor will prescribe antiemetics or drugs to promote gastrointestinal motility. If constipation occurs, you can increase dietary fiber, water and moderate activity. If necessary, use laxatives under the guidance of a doctor. Most gastrointestinal symptoms are controllable, but the key is that patients should proactively communicate with their doctors instead of stopping medication on their own.

The third common side effect is fatigue and fatigue. Nearly all patients treated with talazoparib will experience varying degrees of fatigue. This is not only related to the effects of drugs, but also to factors such as anemia, cancer itself, and decreased sleep quality. Coping methods include establishing a regular life rhythm, ensuring adequate sleep, and moderate exercise such as walking and stretching. At the same time, assess whether there is anemia or malnutrition, and symptomatic treatment can often significantly improve fatigue. Family members should understand the changes in the patient's physical strength and avoid forcing them to perform activities beyond their physical endurance.

In addition, headache, dizziness and oral mucositis are also common non-hematological side effects. For headaches, relatively safe analgesics such as acetaminophen can be used under the guidance of a doctor; if symptoms persist or worsen, other causes should be ruled out. Oral ulcers can be improved by gargling with warm salt water, avoiding spicy and hard foods, and keeping the mouth clean; if necessary, topical analgesic gel or oral repair mouthwash can be applied. Keeping your mouth moist and avoiding smoking and drinking can also reduce the incidence of oral discomfort.

It is worth noting that some patients may experience changes in renal function or liver function indicators. Although the incidence is relatively low, attention still needs to be paid. It is recommended to check liver and kidney function regularly before and during treatment. If there is decreased urine output, lower limb edema, or significant loss of appetite, you should report to your doctor promptly to adjust the dosage or suspend medication.

In addition, talazoparib has a certain risk of drug interaction with other drugs Especially potent P-gp inhibitors may lead to an increase in blood drug concentration and cause more obvious adverse reactions. Therefore, while taking talazoparib, patients should inform their doctors about all the drugs they are taking, including Chinese patent medicines, health products and vitamin supplements, to avoid aggravation of side effects due to interactions.

Finally, elderly patients, those who are underweight, or those with poor hematology foundation are more likely to have serious adverse reactions. Monitoring should be strengthened during the medication period, and the dosage should be adjusted in accordance with the doctor's instructions. Most side effects can be controlled under professional guidance. The key lies in timely discovery, timely treatment, and scheduled review. Patients should not stop taking the drug or reduce the dose due to short-term discomfort, otherwise it may affect the long-term treatment effect.

Reference materials:https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB11760