Nerlynx

neratinib · Tablet · Oral

Prescription (Rx) Kinase Inhibitor

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE NERLYNX is a kinase inhibitor indicated: As a single agent, for the extended adjuvant treatment of adult patients with early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer, to follow adjuvant trastuzumab-based therapy. ( 1.1 ) In combination with capecitabine, for the treatment of adult patients with advanced or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who have received two or more prior anti-HER2 based regimens in the metastatic setting. ( 1.2 ) 1.1 Extended Adjuvant Treatment of Early-Stage Breast Cancer NERLYNX as a single agent is indicated for the extended adjuvant treatment of adult patients with early-stage human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer, to follow adjuvant trastuzumab based therapy [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )] . 1.2 Advanced or Metastatic Breast Cancer NERLYNX in combination with capecitabine is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with advanced or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who have received two or more prior anti-HER2 based regimens in the metastatic setting [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )] .

Dosage and administration

Premedication for diarrhea: When not using dose escalation, initiate loperamide with the first dose of NERLYNX and continue during the first 56 days of treatment. After day 56, use loperamide to maintain 1–2 bowel movements per day. ( 2.1 , 2.2 ) Extended adjuvant treatment of early-stage breast cancer: 240 mg (6 tablets) given orally once daily, with food, continuously until disease recurrence or for up to one year. ( 2.2 ) Advanced or metastatic breast cancer: 240 mg (6 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. ( 2.2 ) Dose escalation: A two-week dose escalation for NERLYNX may also be initiated. ( 2.2 ) Dose interruptions and/or dose reductions are recommended based on individual safety and tolerability. ( 2.3 ) Hepatic impairment: Reduce starting dose to 80 mg in patients with severe hepatic impairment. ( 2.4 ) 2.1 Premedication for Diarrhea When not using dose escalation [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )], 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–Discontinuation of NERLYNX 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 [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 )] . 2.2 Recommended Dose and Schedule 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. 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 2 given orally twice daily) on Days 1–14 of a 21-day cycle until disease progression or unacceptable toxicities. Dose Escalation A two-week dose escalation for NERLYNX may be considered instead of starting at the 240 mg daily dose for patients with early-stage breast cancer and metastatic breast cancer, as described in Table 2 [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) and Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . 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) If diarrhea occurs, treat with antidiarrheal medications, 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 )] . Administration Instructions 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. 2.3 Dosage 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 Table 3 to Table 6 . 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. Table 3: 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 4: Recommended Dosage Modifications for Adverse Reactions with NERLYNX Monotherapy Adverse Reaction Severity † Action/Dose Modification ALT=Alanine Aminotransferase; AST=Aspartate Aminotransferase; ULN=Upper Limit Normal † Per CTCAE v4.0 * Complicated features include dehydration, fever, hypotension, renal failure, or Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia.

Dosage forms and strengths

Tablets: 40 mg neratinib (equivalent to 48.31 mg of neratinib maleate). Film-coated, red, oval shaped and debossed with 'W104' on one side and plain on the other side. Tablets: 40 mg. ( 3 )

Contraindications

None. None. ( 4 )

Warnings and precautions

Diarrhea: Manage diarrhea through either NERLYNX dose escalation or loperamide prophylaxis ( 2.1 , 2.2 ). If diarrhea occurs despite recommended prophylaxis, treat with additional antidiarrheals, fluids, and electrolytes as clinically indicated. Withhold NERLYNX in patients experiencing severe and/or persistent diarrhea. Permanently discontinue NERLYNX in patients experiencing Grade 4 diarrhea or Grade ≥2 diarrhea that occurs after maximal dose reduction. ( 2.3 , 5.1 ) Hepatotoxicity: Monitor liver function tests monthly for the first 3 months of treatment, then every 3 months while on treatment and as clinically indicated. Withhold NERLYNX in patients experiencing Grade 3 liver abnormalities and permanently discontinue NERLYNX in patients experiencing Grade 4 liver abnormalities. ( 2.3 , 5.2 ) Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: NERLYNX can cause fetal harm. Advise patients of potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception. ( 5.3 , 8.1 , 8.3 ) 5.1 Diarrhea Severe diarrhea and sequelae, such as dehydration, hypotension, and renal failure occurred during treatment with NERLYNX. Diarrhea was reported in 95% of NERLYNX-treated patients in ExteNET, a randomized placebo-controlled trial in the extended adjuvant setting who were not required to receive antidiarrheal prophylaxis. In the NERLYNX arm, Grade 3 diarrhea occurred in 40% and Grade 4 diarrhea occurred in 0.1% of patients. The majority of patients (93%) had diarrhea in the first month of treatment, the median time to first onset of Grade ≥3 diarrhea was 8 days (range, 1–350), and the median cumulative duration of Grade ≥3 diarrhea was 5 days (range, 1–139) [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Diarrhea was reported in 83% of NERLYNX plus capecitabine treated patients in NALA, a randomized placebo-controlled trial in the metastatic breast cancer setting who were required to receive anti-diarrheal prophylaxis in the first 21-day cycle. The majority of patients (70%) had diarrhea in the first 21 days of treatment, the median time to first onset of Grade ≥3 diarrhea was 11 days (range, 2–728) and the median cumulative duration of Grade ≥3 diarrhea was 3 days (range, 1–21). In the NERLYNX plus capecitabine arm, Grade 3 diarrhea occurred in 24% of patients [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Antidiarrheal prophylaxis has been shown to lower the incidence and severity of diarrhea. Instruct patients to initiate antidiarrheal prophylaxis with loperamide along with the first dose of NERLYNX and continue during the first 56 days of treatment; after day 56, titrate dose to achieve 1–2 bowel movements per day and not to exceed 16 mg loperamide per day [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 )] . Consider adding other agents to loperamide as clinically indicated [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Alternatively, a 2-week NERLYNX dose escalation approach prior to initiation of the recommended treatment regimen with NERLYNX can also be considered for diarrhea management [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )]. For patients who used NERLYNX dose escalation, the median time to first onset of Grade ≥3 diarrhea was 45 days (range, 15–132) and the median cumulative duration of Grade ≥3 diarrhea was 2.5 days (range, 1–6). Grade 3 diarrhea occurred in 13% of patients who used NERLYNX dose escalation [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]. Monitor patients for diarrhea and treat with additional antidiarrheals as needed. When severe diarrhea with dehydration occurs, administer fluid and electrolytes as needed, interrupt NERLYNX, and reduce subsequent doses [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 )] . Perform stool cultures as clinically indicated to exclude infectious causes of Grade 3 or 4 diarrhea or diarrhea of any grade with complicating features (dehydration, fever, neutropenia). 5.2 Hepatotoxicity NERLYNX has been associated with hepatotoxicity characterized by increased liver enzymes. In ExteNET, 10% of patients experienced an alanine aminotransferase (ALT) increase ≥2× ULN, 5% of patients experienced an aspartate aminotransferase (AST) increase ≥2× ULN, and 1.7% of patients experienced an AST or ALT increase >5× ULN (≥Grade 3). Hepatotoxicity or increases in liver transaminases led to drug discontinuation in 1.7% of NERLYNX-treated patients. In the NALA study, in NERLYNX and capecitabine-treated patients, 7% experienced an ALT or AST increase >3× ULN, 2% experienced an ALT or AST increase >5× ULN, 7% experienced a bilirubin increase >1.5× ULN, and 1.3% experienced a bilirubin increase >3× ULN. Hepatotoxicity or increases in liver transaminases led to drug discontinuation in 0.3% of NERLYNX and capecitabine-treated patients. Total bilirubin, AST, ALT, and alkaline phosphatase should be measured prior to starting treatment with NERLYNX monthly for the first 3 months of treatment, then every 3 months while on treatment and as clinically indicated. These tests should also be performed in patients experiencing Grade 3 diarrhea or any signs or symptoms of hepatotoxicity, such as worsening of fatigue, nausea, vomiting, right upper quadrant tenderness, fever, rash, or eosinophilia [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 ) and Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . 5.3 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action, NERLYNX can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In animal reproduction studies, administration of neratinib to pregnant rabbits during organogenesis caused abortions, embryo-fetal death, and fetal abnormalities in rabbits at maternal AUCs approximately 0.2 times the AUC in patients receiving the recommended dose. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 1 month after the last dose. [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 , 8.3 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )] .

Side effects

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Diarrhea [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] The most common adverse reactions (reported in ≥5% of patients) were: NERLYNX as a single agent: diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, vomiting, rash, stomatitis, decreased appetite, muscle spasms, dyspepsia, AST or ALT increased, nail disorder, dry skin, abdominal distention, epistaxis, weight decreased, and urinary tract infection. ( 6 ) NERLYNX in combination with capecitabine: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, constipation, fatigue/asthenia, weight decreased, dizziness, back pain, arthralgia, urinary tract infection, upper respiratory tract infection, abdominal distention, renal impairment, and muscle spasms. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Puma Biotechnology, Inc. at 1-844-NERLYNX (1-844-637-5969) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Extended Adjuvant Treatment of Early-Stage Breast Cancer ExteNET The data described below reflect the safety data of NERLYNX as a single agent in ExteNET, a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of NERLYNX within 2 years after completion of adjuvant treatment with trastuzumab-based therapy in women with HER2-positive early-stage breast cancer. Patients who received NERLYNX in this trial were not required to receive any prophylaxis with antidiarrheal agents to prevent the NERLYNX-related diarrhea. Patients were treated with 240 mg of NERLYNX given orally once daily with food, continuously until disease recurrence or for up to one year. The median duration of treatment was 11.6 months in the NERLYNX arm and 11.8 months in the placebo arm. The median age was 52 years (60% were ≥50 years old, 12% were ≥65 years old); 81% were Caucasian, 3% Black or African American, 14% Asian, and 3% other. A total of 1408 patients were treated with NERLYNX. NERLYNX dose reduction due to an adverse reaction of any grade occurred in 31% of patients receiving NERLYNX compared to 2.6% of patients receiving placebo. Permanent discontinuation due to any adverse reaction was reported in 28% of NERLYNX-treated patients. The most common adverse reaction leading to discontinuation was diarrhea, accounting for 17% of NERLYNX-treated patients. The most common adverse reactions (≥5%) were diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, vomiting, rash, stomatitis, decreased appetite, muscle spasms, dyspepsia, AST or ALT increased, nail disorder, dry skin, abdominal distention, epistaxis, weight decreased, and urinary tract infection. The most frequently reported Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions were diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain. Serious adverse reactions in the NERLYNX arm included diarrhea (1.6%), vomiting (0.9%), dehydration (0.6%), cellulitis (0.4%), renal failure (0.4%), erysipelas (0.4%), ALT increased (0.3%), AST increased (0.3%), nausea (0.3%), fatigue (0.2%), and abdominal pain (0.2%). Table 7 summarizes the adverse reactions in ExteNET. Table 7: Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥2% of NERLYNX-Treated Patients in ExteNET * Includes abdominal pain, abdominal pain upper, and abdominal pain lower † Includes stomatitis, aphthous stomatitis, mouth ulceration, oral mucosal blistering, mucosal inflammation, oropharyngeal pain, oral pain, glossodynia, glossitis, and cheilitis ‡ Includes rash, rash erythematous, rash follicular, rash generalized, rash pruritic, rash pustular, rash maculo-papular, rash papular, dermatitis, dermatitis acneiform, and toxic skin eruption § Includes nail disorder, paronychia, onychoclasis, nail discoloration, nail toxicity, nail growth abnormal, and nail dystrophy System Organ Class (Preferred Term) NERLYNX n=1408 Placebo n=1408 All Grades (%) Grade 3 (%) Grade 4 (%) All Grades (%) Grade 3 (%) Grade 4 (%) Gastrointestinal Disorders Diarrhea 95 40 0.1 35 2 0 Nausea 43 2 0 22 0.1 0 Abdominal pain * 36 2 0 15 0.4 0 Vomiting 26 3 0 8 0.4 0 Stomatitis † 14 0.6 0 6 0.1 0 Dyspepsia 10 0.4 0 4 0 0 Abdominal distension 5 0.3 0 3 0 0 Dry mouth 3 0.1 0 2 0 0 General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions Fatigue 27 2 0 20 0.4 0 Hepatobiliary Disorders Alanine aminotransferase increased 9 1 0.2 3 0.2 0 Aspartate aminotransferase increased 7 0.5 0.2 3 0.3 0 Infections and Infestations Urinary tract infection 5 0.1 0 2 0 0 Investigations Weight decreased 5 0.1 0 0.5 0 0 Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders Decreased appetite 12 0.2 0 3 0 0 Dehydration 4 0.9 0.1 0.4 0.1 0 Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders Muscle spasms 11 0.1 0 3 0.1 0 Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders Epistaxis 5 0 0 1 0.1 0 Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders Rash ‡ 18 0.6 0 9 0 0 Dry skin 6 0 0 2 0 0 Nail disorder § 8 0.3 0 2 0 0 Skin fissures 2 0.1 0 0.1 0 0 Advanced or Metastatic Breast Cancer NALA The data described below reflect the safety data of NERLYNX plus capecitabine in NALA, a randomized, multicenter, multinational, open-label, active-controlled study of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer in patients, with or without brain metastases, who have received two or more prior anti HER2-based regimens in the metastatic setting. Patients were treated with NERLYNX 240 mg orally once daily Days 1–21 of a 21-day cycle in combination with capecitabine (750 mg/m 2 given orally twice daily) Days 1–14 of a 21-day cycle, or lapatinib 1250 mg orally once daily Days 1–21 of a 21-day cycle in combination with capecitabine (1000 mg/m 2 given orally twice daily) Days 1–14 of a 21-day cycle until disease progression.

Drug interactions

Gastric acid reducing agents: Avoid concomitant use with proton pump inhibitors. Separate NERLYNX by at least 2 hours before or 10 hours after H 2 -receptor antagonists. Or separate NERLYNX by at least 3 hours after antacids. ( 2.5 , 7.1 ) Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors: Avoid concomitant use. ( 7.1 ) P-gp and moderate CYP3A4 dual inhibitors: Avoid concomitant use. ( 7.1 ) Strong or moderate CYP3A4 inducers: Avoid concomitant use. ( 7.1 ) Certain P-gp substrates: Monitor for adverse reactions of P-gp substrates for which minimal concentration change may lead to serious adverse reactions when used concomitantly with NERLYNX. ( 7.2 ) 7.1 Effect of Other Drugs on NERLYNX Table 10 includes drug interactions that affect the pharmacokinetics of neratinib. Table 10: Drug Interactions that Affect NERLYNX AUC=Area Under Curve; C max =Maximum Concentration Gastric Acid Reducing Agents Clinical Impact Concomitant use of NERLYNX with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), H 2 -receptor antagonist, or antacid may decrease neratinib AUC [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )], which may reduce NERLYNX activity. Prevention or Management [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 )] Avoid concomitant use of PPIs. Separate administration of NERLYNX at least 2 hours before or 10 hours after the H 2 -receptor antagonist dose. Separate administration of NERLYNX by at least 3 hours after antacids. Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors Clinical Impact Concomitant use of NERLYNX with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor increased neratinib C max and AUC [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] , which may increase the risk of NERLYNX toxicity. Prevention or Management Avoid concomitant use of NERLYNX with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. P-gp and Moderate CYP3A4 Dual Inhibitors Clinical Impact Concomitant use of NERLYNX with a P-gp and moderate CYP3A4 dual inhibitor may increase neratinib C max and AUC [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] , which may increase the risk of NERLYNX toxicity. Prevention or Management Avoid concomitant use of NERLYNX with P-gp and moderate CYP3A4 dual inhibitors. Strong or Moderate CYP3A4 Inducers Clinical Impact Concomitant use of NERLYNX with a strong CYP3A4 inducer reduced neratinib C max and AUC [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] , which may reduce NERLYNX activity. Prevention or Management Avoid concomitant use of NERLYNX with strong or moderate CYP3A4 inducers. 7.2 Effect of NERLYNX on Other Drugs Certain P-glycoprotein (P-gp) Substrates Concomitant use of NERLYNX increased concentrations of a P-gp substrate [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] , which may increase the risk of adverse reactions of these substrates. Monitor for adverse reactions of certain P-gp substrates for which minimal concentration changes may lead to serious adverse reactions.

Use in specific populations

Lactation: Advise women not to breastfeed. ( 8.2 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings from animal studies and the mechanism of action, NERLYNX can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )] . There are no available data in pregnant women to inform the drug-associated risk. In animal reproduction studies, administration of neratinib to pregnant rabbits during organogenesis resulted in abortions, embryo-fetal death and fetal abnormalities in rabbits at maternal exposures (AUC) approximately 0.2 times exposures in patients at the recommended dose ( see Data ). Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. However, the background risk of major birth defects is 2%–4% and of miscarriage is 15%–20% of clinically recognized pregnancies in the U.S. general population. Data Animal Data In a fertility and early embryonic development study in female rats, neratinib was administered orally for 15 days before mating to Day 7 of pregnancy, which did not cause embryonic toxicity at doses up to 12 mg/kg/day in the presence of maternal toxicity. A dose of 12 mg/kg/day in rats is approximately 0.5 times the maximum recommended dose of 240 mg/day in patients on a mg/m 2 basis. In an embryo-fetal development study in rats, pregnant animals received oral doses of neratinib up to 15 mg/kg/day during the period of organogenesis. No effects on embryo-fetal development or survival were observed. Maternal toxicity was evident at 15 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.6 times the AUC in patients receiving the maximum recommended dose of 240 mg/day). In an embryo-fetal development study in rabbits, pregnant animals received oral doses of neratinib up to 9 mg/kg/day during the period of organogenesis. Administration of neratinib at doses ≥6 mg/kg/day resulted in maternal toxicity, abortions, and embryo-fetal death (increased resorptions). Neratinib administration resulted in increased incidence of fetal gross external (domed head), soft tissue (dilation of the brain ventricles and ventricular septal defect), and skeletal (misshapen anterior fontanelles and enlarged anterior and/or posterior fontanelles) abnormalities at ≥3 mg/kg/day. The AUC (0-t) at 6 mg/kg/day and 9 mg/kg/day in rabbits were approximately 0.5 and 0.8 times, respectively, the AUCs in patients receiving the maximum recommended dose of 240 mg/day. In a peri- and postnatal development study in rats, oral administration of neratinib from gestation day 7 until lactation day 20 resulted in maternal toxicity at ≥10 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.4 times the maximum recommended dose of 240 mg/day in patients on a mg/m 2 basis) including decreased body weights, body weight gains, and food consumption. Effects on long-term memory were observed in male offspring at maternal doses ≥5 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.2 times the maximum recommended dose of 240 mg/day in patients on a mg/m 2 basis). 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary No data are available regarding the presence of neratinib or its metabolites in human milk or its effects on the breastfed infant or on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants from NERLYNX, advise lactating women not to breastfeed while taking NERLYNX and for at least 1 month after the last dose. 8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Pregnancy Based on animal studies, NERLYNX can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )] . Females of reproductive potential should have a pregnancy test prior to starting treatment with NERLYNX. Contraception Females Based on animal studies, NERLYNX can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )] . Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with NERLYNX and for at least 1 month after the last dose. Males Based on findings in animal reproduction studies, advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose of NERLYNX [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )] . 8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and efficacy of NERLYNX in pediatric patients has not been established. 8.5 Geriatric Use In the ExteNET trial, in the NERLYNX arm; 1236 patients were <65 years, 172 patients were ≥65 years, of whom 25 patients were 75 years or older. There was a higher frequency of treatment discontinuations due to adverse reactions in the ≥65 years age group than in the <65 years age group; in the NERLYNX arm, the percentages were 45% compared with 25%, respectively, and in the placebo arm 6% and 5%, respectively. The incidence of serious adverse reactions in the NERLYNX arm vs placebo arm was 7% vs 6% (<65 years old) and 10% vs 8% (≥65 years old). The serious adverse reactions most frequently reported in the ≥65 years old group were vomiting (2.3%), diarrhea (1.7%), renal failure (1.7%), and dehydration (1.2%). In the NALA trial, in the NERLYNX plus capecitabine arm; 242 patients were <65 years, 61 patients were ≥65 years, of whom 12 patients were 75 years or older. The incidence of serious adverse reactions in the NERLYNX plus capecitabine arm in the ≥65 years age group was 36% and in the <65 years age group was 34%. The serious adverse reactions most frequently reported in the ≥65 years age group were diarrhea (16%), acute kidney injury (8%), and dehydration (7%). No overall differences in effectiveness were observed between patients ≥65 years old and patients <65 years old. 8.6 Hepatic Impairment No dosage modifications are recommended for patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment (Child Pugh A or B). Neratinib clearance is reduced, and C max and AUC increase in patients with severe, pre-existing hepatic impairment (Child Pugh C).

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings from animal studies and the mechanism of action, NERLYNX can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )] . There are no available data in pregnant women to inform the drug-associated risk. In animal reproduction studies, administration of neratinib to pregnant rabbits during organogenesis resulted in abortions, embryo-fetal death and fetal abnormalities in rabbits at maternal exposures (AUC) approximately 0.2 times exposures in patients at the recommended dose ( see Data ). Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. However, the background risk of major birth defects is 2%–4% and of miscarriage is 15%–20% of clinically recognized pregnancies in the U.S. general population. Data Animal Data In a fertility and early embryonic development study in female rats, neratinib was administered orally for 15 days before mating to Day 7 of pregnancy, which did not cause embryonic toxicity at doses up to 12 mg/kg/day in the presence of maternal toxicity. A dose of 12 mg/kg/day in rats is approximately 0.5 times the maximum recommended dose of 240 mg/day in patients on a mg/m 2 basis. In an embryo-fetal development study in rats, pregnant animals received oral doses of neratinib up to 15 mg/kg/day during the period of organogenesis. No effects on embryo-fetal development or survival were observed. Maternal toxicity was evident at 15 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.6 times the AUC in patients receiving the maximum recommended dose of 240 mg/day). In an embryo-fetal development study in rabbits, pregnant animals received oral doses of neratinib up to 9 mg/kg/day during the period of organogenesis. Administration of neratinib at doses ≥6 mg/kg/day resulted in maternal toxicity, abortions, and embryo-fetal death (increased resorptions). Neratinib administration resulted in increased incidence of fetal gross external (domed head), soft tissue (dilation of the brain ventricles and ventricular septal defect), and skeletal (misshapen anterior fontanelles and enlarged anterior and/or posterior fontanelles) abnormalities at ≥3 mg/kg/day. The AUC (0-t) at 6 mg/kg/day and 9 mg/kg/day in rabbits were approximately 0.5 and 0.8 times, respectively, the AUCs in patients receiving the maximum recommended dose of 240 mg/day. In a peri- and postnatal development study in rats, oral administration of neratinib from gestation day 7 until lactation day 20 resulted in maternal toxicity at ≥10 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.4 times the maximum recommended dose of 240 mg/day in patients on a mg/m 2 basis) including decreased body weights, body weight gains, and food consumption. Effects on long-term memory were observed in male offspring at maternal doses ≥5 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.2 times the maximum recommended dose of 240 mg/day in patients on a mg/m 2 basis).

Pediatric use

8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and efficacy of NERLYNX in pediatric patients has not been established.

Geriatric use

8.5 Geriatric Use In the ExteNET trial, in the NERLYNX arm; 1236 patients were <65 years, 172 patients were ≥65 years, of whom 25 patients were 75 years or older. There was a higher frequency of treatment discontinuations due to adverse reactions in the ≥65 years age group than in the <65 years age group; in the NERLYNX arm, the percentages were 45% compared with 25%, respectively, and in the placebo arm 6% and 5%, respectively. The incidence of serious adverse reactions in the NERLYNX arm vs placebo arm was 7% vs 6% (<65 years old) and 10% vs 8% (≥65 years old). The serious adverse reactions most frequently reported in the ≥65 years old group were vomiting (2.3%), diarrhea (1.7%), renal failure (1.7%), and dehydration (1.2%). In the NALA trial, in the NERLYNX plus capecitabine arm; 242 patients were <65 years, 61 patients were ≥65 years, of whom 12 patients were 75 years or older. The incidence of serious adverse reactions in the NERLYNX plus capecitabine arm in the ≥65 years age group was 36% and in the <65 years age group was 34%. The serious adverse reactions most frequently reported in the ≥65 years age group were diarrhea (16%), acute kidney injury (8%), and dehydration (7%). No overall differences in effectiveness were observed between patients ≥65 years old and patients <65 years old.

Overdosage

There is no specific antidote, and the benefit of hemodialysis in the treatment of NERLYNX overdose is unknown. In the event of an overdose, administration should be withheld and general supportive measures undertaken. In the clinical trial setting, a limited number of patients reported overdose. The adverse reactions experienced by these patients were diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. The frequency and severity of gastrointestinal disorders (diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting) appear to be dose related.

Description

(neratinib) immediate release, film-coated tablets for oral administration contain 40 mg of neratinib, equivalent to 48.31 mg neratinib maleate. Neratinib is a member of the 4-anilino quinolidine class of protein kinase inhibitors. The molecular formula for neratinib maleate is C 30 H 29 ClN 6 O 3
• C 4 H 4 O 4 and the molecular weight is 673.11 Daltons. The chemical name is (E)-N-{4-[3-chloro-4-(pyridin-2-yl methoxy)anilino]-3-cyano-7-ethoxyquinolin-6-yl}-4-(dimethylamino)but-2-enamide maleate, and its structural formula is: Neratinib maleate is an off-white to yellow powder with pK a s of 7.65 and 4.66. The solubility of neratinib maleate increases dramatically as neratinib becomes protonated at acidic pH. Neratinib maleate is sparingly soluble at pH 1.2 (32.90 mg/mL) and insoluble at approximately pH 5.0 and above (0.08 mg/mL or less). Inactive ingredients: Tablet Core: colloidal silicon dioxide, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, crospovidone, povidone, magnesium stearate, and purified water. Coating: red film coat: polyvinyl alcohol, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol, talc, and iron oxide red. Structural Formula

Mechanism of action

12.1 Mechanism of Action Neratinib is an intracellular kinase inhibitor that irreversibly binds to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), HER2, and HER4. In vitro , neratinib reduces EGFR and HER2 autophosphorylation, downstream MAPK and AKT signaling pathways, and showed antitumor activity in EGFR and/or HER2 expressing carcinoma cell lines. Neratinib human metabolites M3, M6, M7 and M11 inhibited the activity of EGFR, HER2, and HER4 in vitro. In vivo , oral administration of neratinib inhibited tumor growth in mouse xenograft models with tumor cell lines expressing HER2 and EGFR.

How supplied

40 mg film-coated tablets are red, oval shaped and debossed with 'W104' on one side and plain on the other side. NERLYNX is available in: Bottles of 180 tablets: NDC 70437-240-18 Bottles of 133 tablets: NDC 70437-240-33 Bottles of 126 tablets: NDC 70437-240-26 Store at controlled room temperature, 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature] .

Patient information

Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling ( Patient Information ). Diarrhea Inform patients that NERLYNX has been associated with diarrhea, which may be severe in some cases. When not using dose escalation, instruct patients to initiate antidiarrheal prophylaxis with the first dose of NERLYNX. When using dose escalation, instruct patients to initiate 2 weeks of lower dose NERLYNX prior to receiving the recommended full dose of NERLYNX. Instruct patients to maintain 1–2 bowel movements per day and on how to use antidiarrheal treatment regimens. Advise patients to inform their healthcare provider immediately if severe (≥Grade 3) diarrhea or diarrhea associated with weakness, dizziness, or fever occurs during treatment with NERLYNX [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 , 2.2 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Hepatotoxicity Inform patients that NERLYNX has been associated with hepatotoxicity which may be severe in some cases. Inform patients that they should report signs and symptoms of liver dysfunction to their healthcare provider immediately [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Advise females to inform their healthcare provider if they are pregnant or become pregnant. Inform female patients of the risk to a fetus and potential loss of the pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )] . Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 1 month after receiving the last dose of NERLYNX [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) and Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 , 8.3 )] . Advise lactating women not to breastfeed during treatment with NERLYNX and for at least 1 month after the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.2 )] . Drug Interactions NERLYNX may interact with many drugs; therefore, advise patients to report to their healthcare provider the use of any other prescription or nonprescription medication or herbal products [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . NERLYNX may interact with gastric acid reducing agents. Advise patients to avoid concomitant use of proton pump inhibitors. When patients require gastric acid reducing agents, use an H 2 -receptor antagonist or antacid. Advise patients to separate the dosing of NERLYNX by 3 hours after antacid medicine, and to take NERLYNX at least 2 hours before or 10 hours after a H 2 -receptor antagonist [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 ) and Drug Interactions ( 7.1 )] . NERLYNX may interact with grapefruit. Advise patients to avoid taking NERLYNX with grapefruit products [see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 )] . Dosing and Administration For patients undergoing extended adjuvant treatment for early-stage breast cancer, instruct patients to take NERLYNX with food at approximately the same time each day consecutively until disease recurrence or for up to one year. For patients undergoing treatment for metastatic breast cancer, instruct patients to take NERLYNX with food on days 1–21 of a 21-day cycle, with capecitabine on Days 1–14 of a 21-day cycle until disease progression or unacceptable toxicities. If a patient misses a dose, instruct the patient not to replace the missed dose, and to resume NERLYNX with the next scheduled daily dose [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )] . Manufactured for Puma Biotechnology, Inc. 10880 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1700 Los Angeles, CA 90024-4106 ©2025, Puma Biotechnology, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Label text from the FDA structured product label by Puma Biotechnology, Inc. (revised Jul 2, 2026). Long sections are shortened; the complete label is on DailyMed.

Active ingredients

Nerlynx NDC products (1)

NDCStrength & formLabelerType
70437-240Neratinib Maleate Anhydrous 40 mg/1
Tablet
Puma Biotechnology, Inc.NDA

Frequently asked questions

What is Nerlynx used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE NERLYNX is a kinase inhibitor indicated: As a single agent, for the extended adjuvant treatment of adult patients with early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer, to follow adjuvant trastuzumab-based therapy. ( 1.1 ) In combination with capecitabine, for the treatment of adult patients with advanced or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who have received two or more prior…

What are the side effects of Nerlynx?

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Diarrhea [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] The most common adverse reactions (reported in ≥5% of patients) were: NERLYNX as a single agent: diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, vomiting, rash, stomatitis, decreased appetite, muscle… See the full label for the complete list.

Who makes Nerlynx?

Nerlynx is listed by 1 labeler in the FDA NDC directory, including Puma Biotechnology, Inc..