Tykerb
Prescription Required
Indications
Tykerb is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.
Tykerb is used to treat a certain type of hormone-related breast cancer that has progressed or spread after treatment with other cancer medicines.
In postmenopausal women, Tykerb is given in combination with a hormonal medicine called Femara (letrozole). In others, Tykerb is given together with a cancer medicine called Xeloda (capecitabine).
Use and Dosage
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using lapatinib and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth 1 hour before or 1 hour after a meal as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. You must not take this medication more than once a day.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and the risk of serious side effects may be increased.
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the tablets.
Follow your doctor’s instructions on how to correctly take capecitabine or letrozole with lapatinib.
Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Tykerb: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Tykerb can cause severe or fatal liver problems. Call your doctor right away if you have: upper stomach pain, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- A headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, or fast or pounding heartbeats
- Severe or ongoing diarrhea
- New or worsening cough, wheezing, chest pain, or feeling short of breath
- Severe skin reaction – fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, or skin pain followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling
Common Tykerb side effects may include:
- Indigestion, loss of appetite
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Rash, itching, or dry skin
- Pain or redness on the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet
- Problems with your fingernails or toenails
- Feeling weak or tired
- Nosebleeds or mouth sores
- Thinning hair
- Headache
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.
Cautions
- Before taking lapatinib, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
- Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart disease (such as irregular heartbeat), and liver disease.
- Lapatinib may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, and fainting) that need medical attention right away.
- The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using lapatinib, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).
- Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/”water pills”) or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using lapatinib safely.
- Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially QT prolongation (see above).
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using lapatinib. Lapatinib may harm an unborn baby. Men and women using this medication should ask about reliable forms of birth control during treatment and for 1 week after the last dose. If you or your partner becomes pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.
- It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication and for 1 week after stopping this medication. Consult your doctor before breast- feeding.
Forms and Strengths
Tykerb is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Tykerb Tablet:
- 250 mg
FAQ
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention.
What to avoid?
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with lapatinib and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products while taking Tykerb.
Resources:
Additional information
Brand Name: |
Tykerb |
|---|---|
Scientific Name: |
Lapatinib |
Other Names: |
Tykerb |
Strength(s): |
250mg |
Quantities Available: |
70 |
Formulation: |
Tablet |
