What side effect should the nurse educate a patient about when starting treatment with neratinib?

When starting treatment with neratinib, it is vital for the nurse to educate the patient about the potential for significant diarrhea. Diarrhea is a well-documented side effect of neratinib therapy and often occurs in a substantial number of patients. The onset can be early in the treatment course and may range from mild to severe. In some cases, this diarrhea can be debilitating and may require intervention, such as the use of loperamide, which is an over-the-counter medication that helps to manage and reduce the frequency of bowel movements.

Effective patient education regarding this side effect allows individuals to recognize symptoms early and seek appropriate treatment, thereby minimizing discomfort and the impact on their quality of life during therapy. Thus, appropriately addressing this aspect of treatment helps ensure better adherence to the regimen and optimizes patient outcomes.