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Nerlynx Dosage

Generic name: NERATINIB MALEATE 40mg
Dosage form: tablet

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 1, 2020.

Management of Diarrhea

​Administer antidiarrheal prophylaxis during the first 56 days of treatment and initiate with the first dose of NERLYNX . Instruct patients to take loperamide as directed in . Titrate loperamide to 1–2 bowel movements per day. Administer antidiarrheal prophylaxis during the first 56 days of treatment and initiate with the first dose of NERLYNX [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Adverse Reactions ( 6.1)] . Instruct patients to take loperamide as directed in Table 1. Titrate loperamide to 1–2 bowel movements per day.

Table 1: Loperamide Prophylaxis
​Time on Nerlynx Loperamide Dose and Frequency
​Weeks 1–2 (days 1–14) 4 mg three times daily
​Weeks 3–8 (days 15–56) 4 mg twice daily
​Weeks 9 and onwards 4 mg as needed, not to exceed 16 mg per day; titrate dosing to achieve 1–2 bowel movements per day

​If diarrhea occurs despite prophylaxis, treat with additional antidiarrheals, fluids and electrolytes as clinically indicated. NERLYNX dose interruptions and dose reductions may also be required to manage diarrhea . If diarrhea occurs despite prophylaxis, treat with additional antidiarrheals, fluids and electrolytes as clinically indicated. NERLYNX dose interruptions and dose reductions may also be required to manage diarrhea [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3)] .

​In order to improve patient tolerance to NERLYNX treatment , dose escalation may be considered prior to initiation of the recommended treatment regimen. A two weeks dose escalation approach, starting at 120 mg daily is recommended ( ). In order to improve patient tolerance to NERLYNX treatment [see Adverse Reactions 6.1] , dose escalation may be considered prior to initiation of the recommended treatment regimen. A two weeks dose escalation approach, starting at 120 mg daily is recommended ( Table 2).

Table 2: NERLYNX Dose Escalation and Treatment Schedule
​Time on Nerlynx NERLYNX Dose
​Week 1 (days 1–7) 120 mg daily (three 40 mg tablets)
​Week 2 (days 8–14) 160 mg daily (four 40 mg tablets)
​Week 3 and onwards 240 mg daily (six 40 mg tablets, recommended dose)

​Loperamide 4 mg may be used as needed during and after the dose escalation phase. Loperamide 4 mg may be used as needed during and after the dose escalation phase.

Recommended Dose and Schedule

​Instruct patients to take NERLYNX at approximately the same time every day. NERLYNX tablets should be swallowed whole (tablets should not be chewed, crushed, or split prior to swallowing). Instruct patients to take NERLYNX at approximately the same time every day. NERLYNX tablets should be swallowed whole (tablets should not be chewed, crushed, or split prior to swallowing).

​If a patient misses a dose, do not replace missed dose, and instruct the patient to resume NERLYNX with the next scheduled daily dose. If a patient misses a dose, do not replace missed dose, and instruct the patient to resume NERLYNX with the next scheduled daily dose.

​Extended Adjuvant Treatment of Early Stage Breast Cancer

​The recommended dose of NERLYNX is 240 mg (six tablets) given orally once daily, with food, continuously until disease recurrence or for up to one year. The recommended dose of NERLYNX is 240 mg (six tablets) given orally once daily, with food, continuously until disease recurrence or for up to one year.

​Advanced or Metastatic Breast Cancer

​The recommended dose of NERLYNX is 240 mg (six tablets) given orally once daily with food on Days 1–21 of a 21-day cycle plus capecitabine (750 mg/m given orally twice daily) on Days 1–14 of a 21-day cycle until disease progression or unacceptable toxicities. The recommended dose of NERLYNX is 240 mg (six tablets) given orally once daily with food on Days 1–21 of a 21-day cycle plus capecitabine (750 mg/m 2 given orally twice daily) on Days 1–14 of a 21-day cycle until disease progression or unacceptable toxicities.

Dose Modifications

​Dose Modifications for Adverse Reactions

​NERLYNX dose modification is recommended based on individual safety and tolerability. Management of some adverse reactions may require dose interruption and/or dose reduction as shown in to . Discontinue NERLYNX for patients with adverse reactions that fail to recover to Grade 0–1 or baseline, with toxicities that result in a treatment delay >3 weeks, or if unable to tolerate 120 mg daily. Additional clinical situations may result in dose adjustments as clinically indicated (e.g. intolerable toxicities, persistent Grade 2 adverse reactions, etc.). NERLYNX dose modification is recommended based on individual safety and tolerability. Management of some adverse reactions may require dose interruption and/or dose reduction as shown in Table 3 to Table 8. Discontinue NERLYNX for patients with adverse reactions that fail to recover to Grade 0–1 or baseline, with toxicities that result in a treatment delay >3 weeks, or if unable to tolerate 120 mg daily. Additional clinical situations may result in dose adjustments as clinically indicated (e.g. intolerable toxicities, persistent Grade 2 adverse reactions, etc.).

​When NERLYNX is used in combination with capecitabine, refer to the capecitabine prescribing information for dose modifications of capecitabine. When NERLYNX is used in combination with capecitabine, refer to the capecitabine prescribing information for dose modifications of capecitabine.

​When NERLYNX dose escalation is used prior to taking full dose NERLYNX, it is recommended to follow the dosing recommendation in . When NERLYNX dose escalation is used prior to taking full dose NERLYNX, it is recommended to follow the dosing recommendation in Table 2.

Table 3: NERLYNX Dose Modifications and Management – General Toxicities*

​* Refer to , , and below for management of diarrhea and hepatotoxicity * Refer to Table 6, Table 7, and Table 8 below for management of diarrhea and hepatotoxicity

​† Per CTCAE v4.0 † Per CTCAE v4.0
​Severity of Toxicity† Action
​Grade 3 Hold NERLYNX until recovery to Grade ≤1 or baseline within 3 weeks of stopping treatment. Then resume NERLYNX at the next lower dose level.
​Grade 4 Discontinue NERLYNX permanently.
Table 4: NERLYNX Monotherapy Dose Modifications for Adverse Reactions
​Dose Level NERLYNX Dose
​Recommended starting dose 240 mg daily (six 40 mg tablets)
​First dose reduction 200 mg daily (five 40 mg tablets)
​Second dose reduction 160 mg daily (four 40 mg tablets)
​Third dose reduction 120 mg daily (three 40 mg tablets)
Table 5: NERLYNX in Combination with Capecitabine Dose Modifications for Adverse Reactions
​Dose Level NERLYNX Dose
​Recommended starting dose 240 mg daily (six 40 mg tablets)
​First dose reduction 160 mg daily (four 40 mg tablets)
​Second dose reduction 120 mg daily (three 40 mg tablets)

​Dose Modifications for Diarrhea

​Guidelines for adjusting doses of NERLYNX in the setting of diarrhea are shown in and . Diarrhea management may require use of antidiarrheal medications, dietary changes, replacement of fluids and electrolytes and appropriate dose modifications of NERLYNX as clinically indicated. Guidelines for adjusting doses of NERLYNX in the setting of diarrhea are shown in Table 6 and Table 7. Diarrhea management may require use of antidiarrheal medications, dietary changes, replacement of fluids and electrolytes and appropriate dose modifications of NERLYNX as clinically indicated.

Table 6: Dose Modifications of Nerlynx Monotherapy for Diarrhea
Severity of Diarrhea* Action

​* Per CTCAE v4.0 * Per CTCAE v4.0

​† Complicated features include dehydration, fever, hypotension, renal failure, or Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia † Complicated features include dehydration, fever, hypotension, renal failure, or Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia

​‡ Despite being treated with optimal medical therapy ‡ Despite being treated with optimal medical therapy
  • Grade 1 diarrhea [increase of <4 stools per day over baseline]
  • Grade 2 diarrhea [increase of 4–6 stools per day over baseline] lasting ≤5 days
  • Grade 3 diarrhea [increase of ≥7 stools per day over baseline; incontinence; hospitalization indicated; limiting self-care activities of daily living] lasting ≤2 days
  • Adjust antidiarrheal treatment
  • Diet modifications
  • Fluid intake of ~2 L should be maintained to avoid dehydration
  • Once event resolves to ≤Grade 1 or baseline, start loperamide 4 mg with each subsequent NERLYNX administration
  • Any grade with complicated features †
  • Grade 2 diarrhea lasting longer than 5 days ‡
  • Grade 3 diarrhea lasting longer than 2 days ‡
  • Interrupt NERLYNX treatment
  • Diet modifications
  • Fluid intake of ~2 L should be maintained to avoid dehydration
  • If diarrhea resolves to Grade 0–1 in one week or less, then resume NERLYNX treatment at the same dose.
  • If diarrhea resolves to Grade 0–1 in longer than one week, then resume NERLYNX treatment at reduced dose (see Table 4)
  • Once event resolves to ≤Grade 1 or baseline, start loperamide 4 mg with each subsequent NERLYNX administration
  • Grade 4 diarrhea [life-threatening consequences; urgent intervention indicated]
  • Permanently discontinue NERLYNX treatment
  • Diarrhea recurs to Grade 2 or higher at 120 mg per day
  • Permanently discontinue NERLYNX treatment
Table 7: Dose Modifications of Nerlynx and Capecitabine for Diarrhea
Severity of Diarrhea* Actions
​

​Abbreviations: L: liter Abbreviations: L: liter
​

​* NCI CTCAE v.4.0 * NCI CTCAE v.4.0
​

​ Since capecitabine is provided as 150 mg or 500 mg tablets, it is recommended that the capecitabine dose reduction(s) is rounded down to the nearest 500 mg or multiple of 150 mg for the twice daily dose. If the patient's body surface area is >2.0, the standard of care for the study center can be utilized for capecitabine mg/m dosing. a Since capecitabine is provided as 150 mg or 500 mg tablets, it is recommended that the capecitabine dose reduction(s) is rounded down to the nearest 500 mg or multiple of 150 mg for the twice daily dose. If the patient's body surface area is >2.0, the standard of care for the study center can be utilized for capecitabine mg/m 2 dosing.
​
  • Grade 1 Diarrhea [Increase of <4 stools per day over baseline]
  • Grade 2 Diarrhea [Increase of 4–6 stools per day over baseline] lasting ≤5 days
  • Grade 3 Diarrhea: [Increase of ≥7 stools per day over baseline; incontinence; hospitalization indicated; limiting self-care and activities of daily living] lasting ≤2 days
  • Adjust antidiarrheal treatment
  • Continue NERLYNX and capecitabine at full doses
  • Diet modifications
  • Fluid intake of ~2 L/day should be maintained to avoid dehydration
  • Once the event resolved to Grade ≤1 or baseline, start loperamide 4 mg with each subsequent NERLYNX administration
​
  • Persisting and intolerable Grade 2 Diarrhea: lasting >5 days
  • Grade 3 Diarrhea lasting >2 days
  • Grade 4 diarrhea [Life-threatening consequences; urgent intervention indicated]
  • Adjust antidiarrheal treatment
  • Hold NERLYNX and capecitabine until recovery to Grade ≤1 or baseline
  • Diet modifications
  • Fluid intake of ~2 L/day should be maintained intravenously, if needed
  • If recovery occurs:
  • ≤1 week after withholding treatment, resume same doses of NERLYNX and capecitabine
  • Within 1–3 weeks after withholding treatment, reduce NERLYNX dose to 160 mg and maintain the same dose of capecitabine
  • If event occurs a second time and the NERLYNX dose has not already been decreased, reduce NERLYNX dose to 160 mg (maintain the same dose of capecitabine). If NERLYNX dose has already been reduced, then reduce the dose of capecitabine to 550 mg/m 2 given twice daily a (maintain the same dose of NERLYNX).
  • If subsequent events occur, reduce the dose of NERLYNX or capecitabine to the next lower dose level in an alternate fashion (i.e., reduce capecitabine to 375 mg/m 2 given twice daily a if NERLYNX was previously reduced, or reduce NERLYNX to 120 mg if capecitabine was previously reduced).
  • Once the event resolved to Grade ≤1 or baseline, start loperamide 4 mg with each subsequent NERLYNX administration.

Dose Modifications for Hepatic Impairment

Reduce the NERLYNX starting dose to 80 mg in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child Pugh C). No dose modifications are recommended for patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment (Child Pugh A or B) [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3)] .

​Dose Modifications for Hepatotoxicity

​Guidelines for dose adjustment of NERLYNX in the event of liver toxicity are shown in . Patients who experience ≥Grade 3 diarrhea requiring IV fluid treatment or any signs or symptoms of hepatotoxicity, such as worsening of fatigue, nausea, vomiting, right upper quadrant pain or tenderness, fever, rash, or eosinophilia, should be evaluated for changes in liver function tests. Fractionated bilirubin and prothrombin time should also be collected during hepatotoxicity evaluation . Guidelines for dose adjustment of NERLYNX in the event of liver toxicity are shown in Table 8. Patients who experience ≥Grade 3 diarrhea requiring IV fluid treatment or any signs or symptoms of hepatotoxicity, such as worsening of fatigue, nausea, vomiting, right upper quadrant pain or tenderness, fever, rash, or eosinophilia, should be evaluated for changes in liver function tests. Fractionated bilirubin and prothrombin time should also be collected during hepatotoxicity evaluation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2)] .

Table 8: Dose Modifications for Hepatotoxicity
Severity of Hepatotoxicity* Action

​ALT=Alanine Aminotransferase; AST=Aspartate Aminotransferase; ULN=Upper Limit Normal ALT=Alanine Aminotransferase; AST=Aspartate Aminotransferase; ULN=Upper Limit Normal

​* Per CTCAE v4.0 * Per CTCAE v4.0
  • Grade 3 ALT or AST (>5–20× ULN)
    OR
  • Grade 3 bilirubin (>3–10× ULN)
  • Hold NERLYNX until recovery to ≤Grade 1
  • Evaluate alternative causes
  • Resume NERLYNX at the next lower dose level if recovery to ≤Grade 1 occurs within 3 weeks. If Grade 3 ALT or AST, or bilirubin occurs again despite one dose reduction, permanently discontinue NERLYNX
  • Grade 4 ALT or AST (>20× ULN)
    OR
  • Grade 4 bilirubin (>10× ULN)
  • Permanently discontinue NERLYNX
  • Evaluate alternative causes

Concomitant Use with Gastric Acid Reducing Agents

Proton pump inhibitors (PPI): Avoid concomitant use with NERLYNX [see Drug Interactions ( 7.1)] .

H2-receptor antagonists: Take NERLYNX at least 2 hours before the next dose of the H 2-receptor antagonist or 10 hours after the H 2-receptor antagonist [see Drug Interactions ( 7.1)] .

Antacids: Separate dosing of NERLYNX by 3 hours after antacids [see Drug Interactions ( 7.1)] .

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