LAPATINIB is an anti-cancer medicine used in the treatment of Breast cancer. The abnormal growth of cancer (malignant) cells in the breast is known as breast cancer. LAPATINIB is used in combination with capecitabine for treating patients with HER2-positive advanced or metastatic breast cancer who have received prior treatment, including anthracycline, taxane, and trastuzumab. This medicine is also used in combination with letrozole for the treatment of hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer in patients with HER2-positive (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) for whom hormonal therapy is indicated.
LAPATINIB contains Lapatinib as an active ingredient which belongs to the class of kinase inhibitors. It works by inhibiting the excess production of a human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) protein in the mammalian cells. This causes inhibition of the cancer cell growth and, finally, initiation of apoptosis.
LAPATINIB may cause certain side effects such as diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, rash, indigestion, loss of appetite, headache, vomiting, weakness, mouth sores, hair loss, dry skin, myalgia, and allergic reactions. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist, please consult your doctor. LAPATINIB should be taken as advised by your doctor. Take the medicine around the same time daily. Do not skip any dose; if you forget any dose, try to take it as soon as you remember unless it is time for your next dose. Do not double the dose.
LAPATINIB should be avoided if you are allergic to it or any other components of this medicine. Before starting the treatment, let your doctor know about your complete medical history and medication history, including vitamin and herbal supplements. Inform your doctor if you have any cardiovascular conditions or liver/kidney disease before taking LAPATINIB. LAPATINIB is known to cause embryo-fetal toxicity. Hence, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, inform your doctor beforehand.
Breast Cancer.
LAPATINIB contains Lapatinib as an active ingredient, which is used in combination with capecitabine for treating patients with HER2-positive advanced or metastatic breast cancer who have received prior treatment. This medicine works by inhibiting the excess production of a human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) protein in the mammalian cells. This causes inhibition of the cancer cell growth and, finally, initiation of apoptosis.
LAPATINIB should be avoided if you are allergic to it or any other components of this medicine. Inform your doctor if you have any cardiovascular conditions or liver/kidney disease, as it can cause adverse effects. LAPATINIB may cause left ventricular ejection fraction, prolonged QT interval, hepatotoxicity, interstitial lung disease, pneumonitis, severe diarrhoea, and hypersensitivity reactions during the treatment. Hence, careful observation should be performed for any reactions in the patient. If any changes or hypersensitivity reactions occur, treatment should be discontinued. LAPATINIB is known to cause embryo-fetal toxicity. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, inform your doctor beforehand. Breastfeeding should be discontinued in nursing mothers during the treatment. LAPATINIB should be given to children only if prescribed by the paediatrician. LAPATINIB is not recommended for use in children as the safety and efficacy are not established. Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking, as it can lead to serious adverse effects.
Drug-Drug Interactions: LAPATINIB may interact with CYP3A4 inhibitors (clarithromycin, erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, ritonavir, verapamil, diltiazem), CYP3A4 inducers (phenytoin, phenobarbitone, carbamazepine, rifampicin, st. john's wort), antiviral drugs (indinavir, efavirenz, atazanavir), etc.
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have cardiac problems, lung disease, or liver/kidney disease.
Alcohol intake might increase the risk of worsening your condition. Hence, avoid alcohol consumption till your condition improves.
LAPATINIB is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may harm your foetus. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before taking LAPATINIB. Use reliable methods of birth control while on treatment with LAPATINIB.
Avoid nursing your child while on treatment with LAPATINIB as it can cause serious side effects to the newborn baby.
It is unknown whether LAPATINIB will affect your mental ability to drive or operate machines. Hence, consult your doctor for information regarding this.
Inform your doctor if you have any pre-existing liver disease. Your doctor may adjust the dose of the medicine based on the condition. LAPATINIB is known to cause hepatotoxicity in some patients. If you notice any reactions such as itching, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, abdominal pain, unusual bleeding, or pale or dark stools, discontinue the treatment and inform your doctor immediately.
Limited data are available on the effect of LAPATINIB in kidney-impaired patients. Hence, if you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor.
LAPATINIB is not recommended for use in children as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Breast Cancer: Breast cancer is a type of cancer with abnormal growth in the cells of the breast. There are different kinds of breast cancer, such as cancer occurring in lobules (glands that produce milk), ducts of the breast (the pathway that brings milk from glands to the nipple), and in the fatty tissue or the fibrous connective tissue within the breast. Symptoms of breast cancer include a lump in the breast, breast pain, redness, swelling, nipple discharge other than breast milk, bloody discharge, a lump or swelling under the arm, unexplained change in shape, size or appearance of the breast, peeling, flaking or scaling of the skin.