lapatinib

Brand name(s):

Tykerb

What is the most important information I should know about lapatinib?

This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not use lapatinib without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication.

Before using lapatinib, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, liver disease, or a history of "Long QT syndrome."

Lapatinib is usually taken together with another cancer medicine called capecitabine (Xeloda). Lapatinib is given once daily for 21 days in a row, and capecitabine is given twice daily for only the first 14 days in a row. This 21-day cycle is then repeated, unless your condition gets worse or you have serious side effects.

The usual dose of lapatinib is equal to 5 tablets. You may swallow each tablet one at a time, but take the entire lapatinib dose at the same time each day.

Take lapatinib on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 1 hour eating.

Be sure to also read the medication guide or patient instructions for capecitabine (Xeloda).

Stop using lapatinib and call your doctor at once if you have serious side effects such as severe diarrhea or vomiting, or uneven heart rate with extreme dizziness or fainting.

Before taking lapatinib, tell your doctor if you are also using antibiotics, ulcer medications, seizure medications, HIV or AIDS medications, herbal supplements, heart or blood pressure medication, or an antidepressant.

What is lapatinib?

Lapatinib is a cancer medication.

Lapatinib is used together with another medicine called capecitabine (Xeloda) to treat a certain type of advanced breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

Lapatinib is usually given after other cancer medications have been tried without successful treatment of symptoms.

Lapatinib may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking lapatinib?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to lapatinib.

Before using lapatinib, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

heart disease;
liver disease; or
a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome."

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use lapatinib, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not use lapatinib without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication. It is not known whether lapatinib passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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