Lapatinib

Information about Lapatinib

Lapatinib Uses

Lapatinib is used in the treatment of breast cancer.

How Lapatinib works

Lapatinib is an anti-cancer medication. This works against the HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor protein) receptors and EGFRs (epidermal growth factor receptor) which are responsible for the over-proliferation of cells. This is how it inhibits the growth of cancerous cells causing downstream signaling pathways.

Common side effects of Lapatinib

Abdominal pain, Back pain, Breathing problems, Constipation, Cough, Diarrhea, Fatigue, Headache, Hot flashes, Increased bilirubin in the blood, Indigestion, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Joint pain, Liver damage, Loss of appetite, Mucosal inflammation, Nausea1a, Pain in extremity, Rash, Stomatitis (Inflammation of the mouth), Vomiting, Weakness, Weight gain
CONTENT DETAILS
Written By
Dr. Anuj Saini
MMST, MBBS
Reviewed By
Dr. Lalit Kanodia
MD (Pharmacology), MBBS
Last updated
24 May 2021 | 11:37 AM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Lapatinib

LapahopeGlenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd
₹5000 to ₹260001 variant(s)
TykerbGlaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd
₹133501 variant(s)
TylidysZydus Cadila
₹69521 variant(s)
HerlapsaMylan Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
₹80571 variant(s)
EtiboSamarth Life Sciences Pvt Ltd
₹99001 variant(s)
AbnibAbbott
₹84031 variant(s)
BretolapAlkem Laboratories Ltd
₹59911 variant(s)
CombinibCipla Ltd
₹82281 variant(s)
CadilapCadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd
₹85711 variant(s)
DU KnibSayre Therapeutics Pvt Ltd
₹81001 variant(s)

Expert advice for Lapatinib

  • It should be taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after the meal, preferably at the same time every day. 
  • Diarrhea may occur as a side effect. Drink plenty of fluids and inform your doctor if it doesn't stop or if you find blood in your stools.
  • Use a reliable contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy while you are taking this medicine and for a month after you stop taking it.
  • Monitor your blood pressure regularly while taking this medication. Inform your doctor if you notice symptoms of very high blood pressure such as severe headache, confusion, problems with your eyesight, nausea or vomiting.
  • It may cause serious bleeding problem. Inform your doctor if you get headaches, stomach pain or if you notice blood in your urine or stools.
  • Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions for Lapatinib

Lapatinib

Q. Is Lapatinib a chemotherapy medicine?

No, this is a targeted drug that belongs to a class of anti-cancer medicines. They are more specific than chemotherapy in their mechanisms of action. Lapatinib belongs to the tyrosine kinase inhibitors group of medicines. It works by blocking the action of the abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps stop or slow the spread of cancer cells.

Q. Can Lapatinib be given in combination with other anti-cancer drug?

Yes, Lapatinib can be used with other anti-cancer drugs. Generally, it is used in combination with capecitabine to treat advanced breast cancer in patients who have already been treated with chemotherapy. Lapatinib is also used with letrozole to treat breast cancer in post-menopausal women.

Q. How should I take Lapatinib?

You should take Lapatinib exactly as advised by your doctor. Swallow Lapatinib tablets whole with a glass of water, at the same time each day. You must take Lapatinib 1 hour before or 1 hour after meals and at the same time concerning food each day (e.g., you could always take your tablet one hour before breakfast).

Q. Does Lapatinib have any effect on liver?

Lapatinib may cause liver damage which can be severe or life-threatening. Liver damage can occur as soon as several days or as late as several months after the start of treatment with Lapatinib. Inform your doctor if you have or had liver disease. If you experience any of the symptoms such as itching, change in color of the skin or eyes (yellowing), discoloration of urine, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, unusual bleeding or bruising, or pale or dark stools, call your doctor immediately.

Q. How should I manage diarrhea while taking Lapatinib?

If you suffer from diarrhea while taking Lapatinib, you should drink plenty of fluids (8 to 10 glasses a day) such as water, sports drinks, or other clear liquids. You should eat low-fat, high protein foods instead of fatty or spicy foods. Eating cooked vegetables instead of raw vegetables and removing the skin from fruits before eating can also be helpful. Try to avoid milk and milk products (including ice cream) and herbal supplements (some may cause diarrhoea). Inform the doctor, if the condition persists, who may interrupt the treatment depending on the severity of diarrhea.

Q. How can I take care of my skin while on Lapatinib?

Your doctor will check your skin before and during the treatment. If you have sensitive skin, use a soap-free cleanser and beauty products that are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. It is also advised that you use sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or higher. Inform your doctor immediately if you get a rash.

Q. What tests will the doctor advise before starting Lapatinib?

You may need extra tests to check that your heart and liver are working properly. Lapatinib may change the way your heart beats and pumps blood through your body. Your doctor will monitor you carefully to see whether Lapatinib has affected your heart. Along with that, your doctor will get your liver function investigated. Based on the results of these tests, the doctor will decide whether dose adjustment or discontinuation of treatment is required.

Q. How long after Lapatinib can I plan pregnancy?

Use an effective method of contraception to avoid pregnancy while you are taking Lapatinib and continue for at least 1 week after the last dose. Inform your doctor if you become pregnant, who will decide whether to stop or continue treatment.

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