Trabectedin Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 23, 2024.

Applies to trabectedin: intravenous powder for solution.

Serious side effects of trabectedin

Along with its needed effects, trabectedin may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking trabectedin:

More common side effects

• chest discomfort or pain
• difficulty breathing
• dizziness
• faintness
• fast irregular or pounding heartbeat
• swelling of the feet or lower legs
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common side effects

• dark-colored urine
• fever
• muscle cramps or spasms
• muscle pain or stiffness

Rare side effects

• abdominal or stomach pain or tenderness
• clay colored stools
• decreased appetite
• headache
• itching or skin rash
• loss of appetite
• nausea and vomiting
• swelling of the feet or lower legs
• yellow eyes or skin

Incidence not known

• black, tarry stools
• chills
• cough
• difficulty with swallowing
• hives
• lower back or side pain
• painful or difficult urination
• pale skin
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• sore throat
• tightness in the chest
• ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth
• unusual bleeding or bruising

Other side effects of trabectedin

Some side effects of trabectedin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• diarrhea
• difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
• decreased appetite
• headache
• trouble sleeping

Incidence not known

• pain at the injection site

For healthcare professionals

Applies to trabectedin: intravenous powder for injection.

Hepatic adverse events

• Very common (10% or more): Increased ALT (up to 96.1%), increased AST (up to 89.5%), increased alkaline phosphatase (up to 70%), hyperbilirubinemia (up to 25.2%), increased gamma-glutamyltransferase (% unavailable)
• Common (1% to 10%): Drug-induced liver injury
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hepatotoxicity
• Frequency not reported: Hepatic failure, increased conjugated bilirubin^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Anemia (up to 96%), neutropenia (up to 91.6%), leukopenia (up to 94.9%), thrombocytopenia (up to 63.7%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Febrile neutropenia, neutropenic sepsis, pancytopenia, bone marrow failure, granulocytopenia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Neutropenic infection^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (up to 75%), vomiting (up to 51.7%), constipation (up to 37%), diarrhea (up to 35%), stomatitis (up to 19.2%),
• Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain, dyspepsia, upper abdominal pain^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Fatigue/asthenia/malaise (up to 69%), peripheral edema (up to 28%), mucosal inflammation (up to 11.4%), pyrexia (up to 10.2%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Infection, edema, injection site reaction
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Septic shock
• Frequency not reported: Multi-organ failure, catheter site reactions
• Postmarketing reports: Extravasation/tissue necrosis^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Hypoalbuminemia (up to 63%), decreased appetite (up to 37%), anorexia (up to 28.8%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dehydration, hypokalemia, decreased weight^[Ref]

Renal

• Very common (10% or more): Increased creatinine (up to 46%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Renal failure^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Elevated creatine phosphokinase (up to 33%), arthralgia (up to 15%), myalgia (up to 12%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Back pain
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Rhabdomyolysis
• Frequency not reported: Musculoskeletal pain^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Dyspnea (up to 25%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Cough, pulmonary embolism
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pulmonary edema^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 25%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Peripheral neuropathy, dysgeusia, dizziness, paresthesia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Syncope
• Frequency not reported: Hypoesthesia^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (up to 24%), alopecia (up to 12%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Rash, skin hyperpigmentation^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Very common (10% or more): Insomnia (up to 15%)^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Cardiomyopathy, decreased ejection fraction, hypotension, flushing
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Left ventricular dysfunction^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypersensitivity reactions^[Ref]

Further information

Trabectedin side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer