capivasertib at a glance
Medicine class
Selective inhibitor of AKT1, AKT2 and AKT3.
Usual role
Used with fulvestrant for eligible adults with HR-positive, HER2-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer.
Tumour testing
A validated test must confirm a PIK3CA, AKT1 or PTEN alteration.
Taking the tablets
Swallow whole with water, with or without food.
What is capivasertib used for?
UK-licensed use:
With fulvestrant for adults with HR-positive, HER2-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer with a PIK3CA, AKT1 or PTEN alteration, after recurrence or progression on or after endocrine-based treatment.
How does capivasertib work?
AKT proteins regulate cell survival, growth, metabolism and movement. Capivasertib inhibits all three AKT isoforms, disrupting this pathway in susceptible cancer cells; fulvestrant blocks oestrogen-receptor signalling.
capivasertib preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 160 mg, 200 mg
How to take capivasertib
Follow the treatment calendar supplied by the oncology team.
Swallow tablets whole with water. Do not chew, crush, dissolve or split them, or take a broken or cracked tablet.
Take with or without food.
Avoid high amounts of grapefruit or grapefruit juice.
If you vomit after taking a tablet, do not take a replacement; continue at the next planned time.
capivasertib side effects
Common or expected effects
- Diarrhoea
- Skin rash or other skin reactions
- Nausea or vomiting
- Tiredness or weakness
- High blood sugar
- Reduced appetite
- Mouth sores or inflammation
- Itching
- Urinary tract infection
- Anaemia
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe high blood sugar or diabetic ketoacidosis
- Severe diarrhoea, dehydration or low electrolytes
- Widespread, blistering, peeling or otherwise severe skin reactions
- Severe allergic reaction, including swelling or breathing difficulty
- New or worsening jaw pain, swelling, loose teeth, discharge or a mouth sore that does not heal, particularly with bone-modifying treatment
capivasertib in pregnancy
Capivasertib is not recommended during pregnancy. Pregnancy testing and effective contraception are required where pregnancy is possible; seek specialist advice immediately if pregnancy occurs. Contraception must continue for the product-specified period after treatment.
capivasertib while breastfeeding
Breastfeeding should stop during treatment. It is unknown whether capivasertib enters human milk, and harm to a breastfed child cannot be excluded.
capivasertib interactions
A full review of prescribed, non-prescription and herbal products is needed.
Strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors, including clarithromycin, itraconazole, ritonavir, verapamil and fluconazole
Can increase capivasertib exposure and toxicity; specialist review and treatment adjustment may be required.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice
High amounts may increase capivasertib exposure and adverse effects and should be avoided.
CYP3A4 inducers, including rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin and St John's wort
Can reduce capivasertib exposure and potentially reduce effectiveness; combined use is not recommended.
Common questions about capivasertib
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Why is genetic testing needed?
The UK licence requires a PIK3CA, AKT1 or PTEN tumour alteration confirmed by a validated test.
Can the tablets be taken with food?
Yes. Food does not cause a clinically relevant change in exposure.
Can capivasertib raise blood sugar?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.