Truqap side effects: What you should know

Truqap (capivasertib) is a brand-name oral tablet that’s prescribed for certain types of breast cancer. As with other drugs, Truqap can cause side effects, such as diarrhea and skin reactions.
More common side effects of Truqap
Truqap can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Truqap in clinical trials:
clinical trials
diarrhea*
high blood sugar levels*
high blood sugar levels
low blood cell counts, including white blood cells and platelets
nausea
skin reactions*
* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
Mild side effects of Truqap
Mild side effects can occur with Truqap use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Truqap’s prescribing information.
prescribing information
Mild side effects that have been reported with Truqap include:
decreased appetite
fatigue
fatigue
headache
mild diarrhea*
mild high blood sugar levels*
mild skin reactions*
nausea
stomatitis (irritation inside your mouth, which can cause sores)
vomiting
These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Truqap and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.
MedWatch
* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
Serious side effects of Truqap
Truqap may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Truqap’s prescribing information.
prescribing information
If you develop serious side effects while taking Truqap, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:
high triglycerides, which usually doesn’t cause symptoms
high triglycerides
kidney injury, which may include symptoms such as: decreased urinationswelling in the feet, ankles, or lower legsweakness
decreased urination
swelling in the feet, ankles, or lower legs
weakness
low blood cell counts, including white blood cells and platelets, which may include symptoms such as: bleeding or bruising easilyfrequent or recurrent infections
bleeding or bruising easily
frequent or recurrent infections
severe diarrhea*
severe high blood sugar levels*
severe skin reactions*
* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
For some people, Truqap oral tablet can cause an allergic reaction.
allergic reaction
In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Truqap oral tablet, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Side effect specifics
Learn more about some of the side effects that Truqap may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Truqap.
prescribing information
In clinical trials, diarrhea was very common. Most people taking Truqap experienced some amount of diarrhea. For some people, diarrhea was severe or life threatening.
clinical trials
With severe diarrhea, you have seven or more loose or watery bowel movements per day. This type of diarrhea can cause life threatening dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration may include:
confusion
dark yellow urine
dry mouth
fast breathing
fast heart rate
more thirst than usual
skin that stays pinched after you let go of it
urinating less than usual
weakness
In people taking Truqap in clinical trials, diarrhea usually began within 8 days of starting the drug.
As soon as you notice any diarrhea, increase the amount of fluids you drink and take antidiarrheal medication. Your doctor will likely tell you which antidiarrheal medication to take. If not, talk with your doctor right away when diarrhea starts.
Diarrhea should start to get better within 4 days of starting antidiarrheal medication. If diarrhea continues or gets worse, talk with your doctor right away. They may recommend lowering the dose of Truqap or stopping it for a period of time. If you have symptoms of dehydration, seek emergency medical care.
High blood sugar levels were very common in clinical trials of people taking Truqap. For some people, high blood sugar levels were severe or life threatening and required hospital treatment.
clinical trials
Symptoms of high blood sugar levels may include:
blurred vision
confusion
dry mouth
excessive thirst
fatigue
fruity smell to your breath
headache
increased appetite
urinating more than usual
Having diabetes that requires insulin treatment may increase the risk of severe or life threatening high blood sugar levels with Truqap.
Due to the risk of high blood sugar levels, your doctor will likely check your blood sugar levels before starting Truqap. They may also check your blood sugar levels from time to time during treatment. If you have diabetes, your doctor will likely recommend checking your blood sugar levels more often while taking Truqap.
If you develop symptoms of high blood sugar levels, talk with your doctor right away. If you have diabetes, make sure you know how to treat high blood sugar levels. Also, make sure you have medical identification that lets others know about your condition and how to help if you can’t treat yourself.
In Truqap’s clinical trials, skin reactions were very common. More than half of people taking Truqap experienced some type of skin reaction. For some people, the skin reactions were severe or life threatening.
clinical trials
Symptoms of a skin reaction may include:
blisters
blisters or sores on the lips, mouth, or eyes
dry skin
fever
peeling skin
rash that may get worse over time
redness or other color changes on skin
In people taking Truqap in clinical trials, skin reactions usually began within 2 weeks of starting the drug.
Talk with your doctor if you notice your skin becoming irritated. They may recommend buying a cream at your local pharmacy or write you a prescription. Consider avoiding products that can irritate your skin and:
Wear clothes made from cotton or linen.
Use detergent that is free from dye and fragrance.
Avoid using lotions or body washes with dyes, perfumes, or cologne.
Precautions for Truqap
Below is important information you should consider before taking Truqap.
Before taking Truqap, discuss your health history with your doctor. Truqap may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:
diabetes or a history of high blood sugar levels
liver problems
past rashes or skin problems
previous allergic reaction to this or a similar drug
allergic reaction
pregnancy
breastfeeding
alcohol consumption
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.