Lapatinib (By mouth)
la-PA-ti-nib
Treats cancer, including breast cancer.
Drug classes
Antineoplastic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Lapatinib is used in combination with capecitabine to treat advanced or metastatic HER2-receptor positive breast cancer (breast cancer that has already spread) after other treatments have failed. It belongs to the group of medicines called antineoplastics (cancer medicines).
Lapatinib is also used together with letrozole to treat postmenopausal women with hormone-receptor positive and HER2-receptor positive metastatic breast cancer.
Lapatinib interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Since the growth of normal cells may also be affected by the medicine, other unwanted effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Take lapatinib at least 1 hour before or 1 hour after a meal. Take all the tablets at the same time.
This medicine is given together with capecitabine or letrozole. Follow your doctor’s instructions on when to take these medicines.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some foods and medicines can affect how lapatinib works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Dexamethasone, digoxin, midazolam, nefazodone, paclitaxel, or St John’s wort Medicine to treat heart rhythm problems or lower blood pressure Medicine to treat an infection (such as clarithromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine, voriconazole) Medicine to treat HIV infection (such as atazanavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, telithromycin) Medicine to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital)Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to lapatinib or you are pregnant.
Warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, heart disease, heart rhythm problems (such as QT prolongation), or lung disease.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Heart problems, including changes in heart rhythm Liver problems Lung problems Serious skin reactionsMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
Chest pain, cough, trouble breathing
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Dizziness, lightheadedness, unusual tiredness
Fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
Severe diarrhea or diarrhea with cramps, nausea, vomiting, or fever
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Mild diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting, stomach upset
Rash
Red, painful hands and feet, rash
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Tykerb
There may be other brand names for this medicine.