Uses of undefined

Lapatinib is used to treat advanced or HER2 Positive metastatic breast cancer.

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

Lapatinib is available as a tablet and used in combination with Capecitabine. The recommended dose is 1,250 mg (5 tablets of Lapatinib 250 mg) given orally once daily on days 1 to 21. It is advisable to take it before or after taking the food. Swallow the tablet and do not crush, open, or dissolve them. Your doctor may advise you to temporarily reduce your dose or discontinue your therapy.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

Notify your healthcare provider at the first sign of diarrhea or dehydration. Monitor your blood pressure regularly while taking this medication. If you notice a severe headache, confusion, vomiting, or vomiting, report to your doctor. Tell your doctor about inflammation of the lungs, liver, and kidney problems.

Precautions

Discuss the contraceptive options with your doctor before starting this treatment if there is a possibility that you may become pregnant. Use contraceptive methods during and five days after completing this treatment. Avoid breastfeeding during and five days after finishing this treatment course. If Lapatinib passes into breast milk is unknown.

Side Effects

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Lapatinib are nausea, vomiting, tiredness, weakness, itching, dry skin, loss of appetite, indigestion, constipation, mouth ulcers, stomach pain, difficulty in sleeping, joint or back pain, cough, breathing problems, headache, etc. If you experience severe allergic reactions, skin rashes, heart, liver, and lung problems, report your physician immediately.

Word Of Advice

Lapatinib can cause severe diarrhea, so it is advised to take plenty of water during the treatment. Eat a well-balanced diet. Avoid consuming grapefruit juice while on therapy with Lapatinib as it affects how the medicine works. This medication makes your skin sensitive to the sun and increases your risk of skin rashes. Avoid spending more time in the sunlight, and ensure that you always apply sunscreen with a good SPF before stepping out. Wash your skin with a soap-free cleanser. Take special care while driving or operating machines during this treatment as it may impair your ability.

Frequently Asked Question

• What is Lapatinib used for?
• Lapatinib is used to treat advanced or HER2 Positive metastatic breast cancer.

• What is the most common side effect of Lapatinib?
• The most common side effect of Lapatinib is Diarrhea. To prevent dehydration, consume lots of liquids, such as water or juice. If it is serious, consult your doctor right away.

• How does Lapatnib work?
• Lapatinib acts against the enzyme called tyrosine kinase. It prevents the Human epidermal growth factor receptor protein (HER2) and epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs) from signaling, which breast cancer cells produce. It kills cancer cells and slows down their growth.

• Is it okay to take Lapatinib with juice?
• No. Take a Lapatinib tablet with water only. Juices should not be consumed when taking this medication, especially grapefruit juice, as this could result in harmful interactions.

• Is Lapatinib a chemotherapy medication?
• No, the Lapatinib class is an anti-cancer medication targeted drug, and they have more focused modes of action than chemotherapy. Lapatinib is a medication that is categorized as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

• Is Lapatinib safe during pregnancy?
• If you are pregnant or plan to get pregnant, talk to your doctor before taking Lapatinib because it is unsafe to take during pregnancy. Women of childbearing age taking Lapatinib should use an effective contraception method to avoid getting pregnant.

• What are the available Lapatinib doses?
• Lapatinib is available as a tablet and used in combination with Capecitabine. The recommended Lapatinib dose should be 250 mg given orally once daily on days 1 to 21.