Lapatinib
Generic name: lapatinib [ la-PA-tin-ib ]
Brand name: Tykerb
Dosage form: oral tablet (250 mg)
Drug classes:EGFR inhibitors, HER2 inhibitors
What is lapatinib?
Lapatinib is used to treat advanced hormone-related breast cancer that has progressed or spread after treatment with other cancer medicines.
Lapatinib is used for this condition only if your tumor tests positive for a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). HER2 protein can speed the growth of cancer cells.
In postmenopausal women, lapatinib is given in combination with a hormonal medicine called letrozole (Femara). In others, lapatinib is given together with a cancer medicine called capecitabine (Xeloda).
Lapatinib may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Do not use lapatinib if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby.
Lapatinib can cause severe or fatal liver problems. Call your doctor at once if you have: upper stomach pain, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Before taking this medicine
You should not use lapatinib if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
heart disease;
liver disease (lapatinib can cause severe or fatal liver problems);
an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood); or
long QT syndrome (in you or a family member).
You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.
Both men and women using lapatinib should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Lapatinib can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects if the mother or father is using this medicine. Keep using birth control for at least 1 week after your last dose.
Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using lapatinib.
Do not breast-feed while using this medicine, and for at least 1 week after your last dose.
How should I take lapatinib?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
When used with letrozole, the usual dose of lapatinib is 6 tablets taken once daily ever...
