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Nerlynx (neratinib)
Starting Nerlynx can bring up a lot of questions, for you and for the people who love you. Here you'll find what to expect, how to feel your best day to day and where to get help, so you can focus on your life and time together.
ℹ️ General information to help you and your loved ones talk with your care team, not medical advice. Read our disclaimer.
Targeted therapy pill (HER2 inhibitor) · Used for: Breast cancer
💊 Taken by mouth · Targeted therapy pill (HER2 inhibitor)
The quick guide
What it is: Targeted therapy pill (HER2 inhibitor).
How it's given: Tablets or capsules by mouth once a day with food.
How it works: Nerlynx blocks HER2 inside cells. Used for a year after trastuzumab-based treatment for early HER2+ breast cancer, and with capecitabine for advanced disease.
Side effects you may notice, and what helps at home
| Side effect | What can help |
|---|---|
| Diarrhea (loose, watery stools) | Fluids, bland food; ask your team about anti-diarrhea medicine early. |
| Nausea and vomiting (CINV) | Small bland meals; take anti-nausea medicine as prescribed. |
| Fatigue (extreme tiredness) | Short walks and planned rest. |
| Belly pain | Tell your care team; they can help. |
Not everyone gets these. Your team may suggest other ways to manage them.
Call your care team now if you have:
- Diarrhea that doesn't improve with your medicine plan
- Yellow skin or eyes
Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain or signs of stroke.
🗓 What to expect
1️⃣ Before you start
- Ask your team for a written schedule and an after-hours phone number.
- Bring a list of all your medicines and supplements.
2️⃣ Each day on treatment
- Take it exactly as prescribed, at about the same time each day.
- Don't crush or split pills unless your team says it's OK.
- If you miss a dose, follow the label instructions or call your pharmacist.
3️⃣ Between doses
- Watch for the side effects below and use the checklist.
- Keep up with blood tests and visits.
- Call your team for anything in the red box.
✅ Side-effect checklist
Print this and check off what you notice so you can tell your team.
| Side effect | Noticed? | Notes for my team |
|---|---|---|
| Diarrhea (loose, watery stools) | ☐ | |
| Nausea and vomiting (CINV) | ☐ | |
| Fatigue (extreme tiredness) | ☐ | |
| Belly pain | ☐ |
Help paying for Nerlynx (neratinib)
Nerlynx (neratinib) is made by Puma Biotechnology.
Official manufacturer program:
- Nerlynx support (Puma): Savings and support for Nerlynx.
Copay cards are usually only for people with commercial (job or marketplace) insurance. If you have Medicare or Medicaid, look at free-drug programs and these independent foundations:
- PAN Foundation: Copays and coinsurance, including for people with Medicare, when a disease fund is open.
- HealthWell Foundation: Grants for copays, deductibles and premiums when a fund is open.
- CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation: Help with treatment copays for insured people under income limits.
- Good Days: Copay help and some travel costs.
- NeedyMeds: Free database of assistance programs, open to anyone.
📋 Medicare: Pills you take at home are usually covered by Medicare drug coverage (Part D). Part B covers some cancer drugs taken by mouth if the same drug comes in an injectable form. See Medicare and your cancer drugs.
More: Help from drug makers · Our guide to paying for cancer treatment.
❓ Questions you and your loved ones can ask
- What is the goal of this treatment for me?
- How will we know if it's working?
- Which side effects should I call about right away, and what number do I call after hours?
- Which medicines, vitamins or supplements should I avoid?
- Will this affect my ability to work, drive or care for my family?
- What will this cost me, and who can help me with coverage?
Support for you and your family
- Susan G. Komen: Breast care helpline, treatment assistance and education
- Living Beyond Breast Cancer: Helpline, peer support and programs for metastatic breast cancer
- CancerCare: Free counseling, support groups and financial help
- Cancer Support Community: Support groups, a helpline and the MyLifeLine online community
Questions people often ask
How does Nerlynx work?
Nerlynx blocks HER2 inside cells.
How is Nerlynx given?
Tablets or capsules by mouth once a day with food.
📄 The official FDA label for Nerlynx (neratinib), including its patient information section, is on DailyMed.
Written by the Cancer Side Effects Guide team from FDA labels and leading cancer centers. Not medical advice. · Last updated: October 15, 2026 · How we write