Itovebi (inavolisib) treatment guide: Uses, side effects, and cost

If you’ve recently been prescribed Itovebi, you may have questions. Understanding your treatment plan is an important part of your healthcare journey.

Keep reading for an overview of Itovebi, including what it’s used for, how it works, and what you can expect during your treatment.

Itovebi is a brand-name targeted therapy treatment. It’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adults with a specific type of advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Your doctor may prescribe Itovebi if your cancer meets these specific criteria:

Itovebi is not taken alone. It’s prescribed as part of a three-drug regimen, taken alongside palbociclib (a CDK4/6 inhibitor, often known by the brand name Ibrance) and fulvestrant (a hormonal therapy, often known by the brand name Faslodex).

Breast cancers are often categorized by the specific proteins (receptors) that fuel their growth.

This HR-positive/HER2-negative combination is the most common type of breast cancer. It behaves differently and requires different treatments than HER2–positive breast cancer (which is fueled by the HER2 protein) or triple-negative breast cancer (which does not have hormone receptors or HER2 proteins).

» Learn more: For an in-depth look at different types of breast cancer, see our Breast Cancer hub.

To understand how Itovebi works, it helps to understand the PIK3CA mutation. This gene produces an enzyme called PI3K.

When the PIK3CA gene mutates, the PI3K enzyme becomes hyperactive, sending constant signals that tell cancer cells to grow, multiply, and survive.

Itovebi belongs to a class of medications called PI3K inhibitors. It not only blocks the mutated PI3K enzyme from sending growth signals, but it also triggers the degradation (breakdown) of the mutant enzyme itself.

By shutting down this pathway, Itovebi stops the affected cells from replicating and causes them to die.

Itovebi is an oral tablet, meaning that it’s taken by mouth. It comes in two strengths: 3 milligrams (mg) and 9 mg.

If you miss a dose and it’s within 9 hours of the original scheduled time, take it as soon as you remember. If more than 9 hours have passed since the scheduled time, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as soon as you remember.

If you vomit after taking Itovebi, do not take an additional dose to make up for it. Take Itovebi at your usual time the next day, continuing with your regular dosage regimen.

If you have questions about taking Itovebi, talk with your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

As with all prescription medications, Itovebi can cause side effects. Because this drug specifically targets cellular growth pathways, it commonly affects rapidly dividing cells in the body, such as those in your mouth, digestive tract, and skin.

Many people taking Itovebi experience some of the following side effects. Your care team can help you manage them, so it is important to communicate how you’re feeling throughout treatment.

Some side effects require immediate medical attention. Contact your doctor or seek emergency care if you experience:

Depending on how you tolerate the medication, your doctor may decide to temporarily pause Itovebi, lower your dose, or recommend ways to manage your side effects.

How can someone tell the difference between a ‘normal’ side effect they can manage at home versus a red-flag symptom that they should discuss with their doctor?

“Before a person starts a new medication, a healthcare professional will typically go over the course of treatment with them, including potential side effects. If anything occurs outside what is discussed or becomes bothersome to the point it affects daily life, it’s always recommended to contact a member of their healthcare team.”

_{Quotes represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.}

Before starting Itovebi, your doctor will review your complete medical history. Certain health conditions require special caution when taking this medication.

It’s important to provide your healthcare team and pharmacist with a complete list of all medications you take. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Itovebi does not have any reported drug interactions. However, taking it alongside other medications that affect the liver, kidneys, or blood sugar may require dosage adjustments to manage the risk of side effects.

Itovebi is a brand-name drug that isn’t available as a generic version. In general, brand-name drugs tend to be more expensive than generic ones.

However, the list price is rarely what you’ll pay out of pocket. Your final cost will depend on your specific health insurance plan, dosage, and other factors.

To learn more and to find out whether you qualify for any of these programs, see the manufacturer’s website or call (888) 249-4918.

If your tumor has a PIK3CA mutation, your doctor might have discussed a few different medication options with you. The three most common targeted therapies for this specific mutation profile are Itovebi (inavolisib), Piqray (alpelisib), and Truqap (capivasertib).

Yes, you can take your daily Itovebi tablet with or without food.

Yes, you can take your daily Itovebi tablet with or without food.

Because mouth sores are highly common, your care team may proactively prescribe a steroid-based mouthwash to use as soon as you start treatment. You can also protect your mouth by using a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoiding foods that are spicy, acidic, hot, or rough in texture.

Because mouth sores are highly common, your care team may proactively prescribe a steroid-based mouthwash to use as soon as you start treatment. You can also protect your mouth by using a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoiding foods that are spicy, acidic, hot, or rough in texture.

No, Itovebi is a “targeted therapy.” Traditional chemotherapy attacks all rapidly dividing cells in the body. Targeted therapies identify and target specific genetic mutations (like the PIK3CA mutation) in cancer cells, though they may still cause side effects in healthy tissue.

No, Itovebi is a “targeted therapy.” Traditional chemotherapy attacks all rapidly dividing cells in the body. Targeted therapies identify and target specific genetic mutations (like the PIK3CA mutation) in cancer cells, though they may still cause side effects in healthy tissue.

You’ll typically continue taking Itovebi as long as the medication is keeping the cancer from growing and the side effects remain manageable. Your doctor will monitor your progress through regular scans and blood tests.

You’ll typically continue taking Itovebi as long as the medication is keeping the cancer from growing and the side effects remain manageable. Your doctor will monitor your progress through regular scans and blood tests.

Itovebi (inavolisib) is an effective treatment option for HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer with a PIK3CA mutation. By directly targeting and breaking down the mutated enzymes that cause cancer cells to grow, Itovebi can help manage the disease.

While the medication can cause side effects — particularly high blood sugar, mouth sores, and diarrhea — your healthcare team has strategies to help manage these symptoms. Always communicate openly with your doctors about how you are feeling, so they can adjust your care plan to keep you as comfortable and healthy as possible during your treatment.

^{Disclaimer: While Medical News Today strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.}