lapatinib Health Article

How should I take lapatinib?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

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

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

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.

Lapatinib is usually taken together with capecitabine in a 21-day cycle. Lapatinib is given once daily for all 21 days in a row, and capecitabine is given twice daily for only the first 14 days of the cycle. This 21-day cycle is then repeated until your doctor decides that lapatinib is no longer an appropriate treatment for your condition. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Lapatinib is usually continued unless your condition gets worse or you have serious side effects. Store lapatinib at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Symptoms of a lapatinib overdose may include severe diarrhea or vomiting.

What should I avoid while taking lapatinib?

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with lapatinib and lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of lapatinib?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using lapatinib and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• uneven heart rate;

• extreme dizziness or fainting;

• severe diarrhea; or

• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips.

Keep taking lapatinib and talk to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

• nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea, loss of appetite;

• pain or redness on the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet;

• tired feeling;

• dry skin;

• back pain; or

• sleep problems (insomnia).

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.