Itovebi®
(inavolisib)
Pronounced eye-TOVE-bee
Itovebi (inavolisib) is a targeted medicine used for the treatment of adults with hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative breast cancer whose tumours are identified to have a PIK3CA-mutation. It is used when the cancer is locally advanced (spread to nearby tissue or lymph nodes) or metastatic (spread to other parts of the body), during or after treatment with other anti-cancer medicines.
Around 40% of people with HR+/HER2− breast cancer have one or more mutations in the PIK3CA gene. These mutations lead to an altered protein that can cause cancer cells to grow and spread.
Itovebi belongs to a group of cancer medicines, called PI3K inhibitors, that block PI3K activity.
It comes in the form of 3 mg and 9 mg tablets. The recommended starting dose is 9 mg once a day.
In clinical trial data adding Itovebi to other cancer medicines delayed cancer growth for longer.
Have you been tested for PIK3CA-mutated breast cancer?
To be eligible for treatment with Itovebi, the cancer must have a specific change in a gene called ‘PIK3CA’. Your healthcare provider will establish your PIK3CA mutation status using a validated test before you start treatment.
Possible side effects of Itovebi
All medicines can have side effects. You’ll find a list of possible side effects in the Consumer Medicines Information here.
Always talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
Ask your doctor if Itovebi is right for you
How to access Itovebi
Itovebi is not publicly funded by PHARMAC. This means you will have to pay for this medicine, or if you have private health insurance, check with the insurer or your financial advisor to see if the medicine, or other treatment costs, are included in your policy.
Paying for treatment requires careful thought, but there are financial options and programmes that may help you fund private treatment.
To help NZ patients with the cost of treatment with Itovebi, Roche has created a Cost Share Programme.
The Cost Share Programme is designed to reduce the cost of the medicine, by providing a discounted treatment. Other costs, however, such as doctor fees, will still apply.
Ready to take the next step?
Because every situation is different, it’s important to speak to your doctor to find out if Itovebi is right for you.
If you’re considering treatment with Itovebi
We’ve put together a discussion guide to help you begin a conversation with your doctor. Print it off, take it along to your next appointment, and take notes in the spaces provided.
For further information about private treatment providers click here.
You can also talk to your current doctor about referral to a private doctor or treatment centre.
To learn more about how medicines become available in New Zealand, click here.
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