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.

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:

  • diarrhea*
  • 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 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.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Truqap include:

  • decreased appetite
  • 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.

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

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.

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
  • kidney injury, which may include symptoms such as:
    • 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 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.

ALLERGIC REACTION

For some people, Truqap oral tablet can cause an 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.

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.

Diarrhea

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.

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.

What you can do

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

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.

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.

What you can do

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.

Skin reactions

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.

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.

What you can do

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.

Below is important information you should consider before taking Truqap.

Other precautions

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
  • 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.