Lapatinib
About
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.
Uses of Lapatinib
Medicinal Benefits
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.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Lapatinib
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Myalgia
- Dry skin
- Hair loss
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Headache
- Fatigue
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
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 Interactions
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.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAlcohol intake might increase the risk of worsening your condition. Hence, avoid alcohol consumption till your condition improves.
Pregnancy
unsafeLapatinib 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.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid nursing your child while on treatment with Lapatinib as it can cause serious side effects to the newborn baby.
Driving
consult your doctorIt is unknown whether Lapatinib will affect your mental ability to drive or operate machines. Hence, consult your doctor for information regarding this.
Liver
cautionInform 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.
Kidney
cautionLimited 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.
Children
unsafeLapatinib is not recommended for use in children as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Meditation and yoga have been proven very effective in helping cancer patients maintain a healthy attitude and body.
- Eat more lean meats, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain foods to give you more energy.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, as dehydration is often seen in cancers.
- Taking a stroll in the garden or spending 30 minutes of your time doing some light physical activity can be very useful. However, do not over-exert yourself if you feel too tired.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
Special Advise
- Avoid intercourse while on treatment with Lapatinib.
- Regular, complete blood count monitoring is advised during the treatment.
- All patients should be tested for HER2 test before starting the treatment regimen.
- Liver function tests (LFT) should be performed before starting the treatment and every 4 to 6 weeks during the treatment.
- This medicine should be taken only once daily as prescribed by the doctor. Do not divide the dose of the medicine.
- Regular ECG and electrolytes should be monitored while taking the medicine.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
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.
FAQs
Lapatinib contains Lapatinib, which works by inhibiting the excess production of a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in mammalian cells. This causes inhibition of the cancer cell growth.
Inform your doctor whether you have received any other breast cancer treatment. Lapatinib may cause left ventricular ejection fraction, hypersensitivity reactions, hepatotoxicity, severe diarrhea, and embryo-fetal toxicity during the treatment. Hence, inform your oncologist if you have any cardiovascular conditions, liver/kidney disease, are pregnant, are planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding before taking Lapatinib.
Hepatotoxicity (liver toxicity) has been reported in clinical studies and postmarketing experience with Lapatinib. Hepatotoxicity can be fatal, and deaths have been reported. The cause of death is unknown. If you have upper stomach pain, itching, dark urine, clay-coloured faeces, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), inform your doctor immediately.
