Medication Profile: Lapatinib

Summary or Key Points

Lapatinib (Brand name: Tykerb) is an oral medication used for the treatment of advanced or metastatic breast cancer. It’s an important option for patients whose cancer overexpresses the HER2 protein. Potential side effects include diarrhea, rash, and liver toxicity. Consult with your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice, and consider telemedicine for convenience and accessibility.

Names of Medication

Brand name: Tykerb

Generic name: Lapatinib

The generic name, here written in parenthesis, is the official name of the active ingredient in the medication, regardless of the brand name under which it’s sold.

Pharmacologic Category

Lapatinib belongs to the pharmacologic category of HER2/neu receptor antagonists, specifically a category called tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Other drugs in this class include Neratinib (Nerlynx) and Afatinib (Gilotrif).

Dosing

Lapatinib is indicated to treat the following condition in adults:

• Advanced or Metastatic Breast Cancer: The recommended dose is 1250 mg once daily on days 1-21 continuously in combination with capecitabine. Always consult your doctor before adjusting your dose. Our telemedicine services provide an accessible and convenient way to discuss dosing concerns with a healthcare provider.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Lapatinib is available in the form of tablets in the following strengths:

• 250 mg

Administration Instructions
chewed, or cut. It can be taken with or without food. However, it should not be taken with grapefruit or grapefruit juice as they can increase the level of Lapatinib in your body.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

Lapatinib may cause several side effects, though not everyone gets them. Here are some potential side effects along with their frequency:

• Diarrhea (Very common)
• Rash (Common)
• Nausea (Common)
• Vomiting (Common)
• Fatigue (Common)
• Decreased appetite (Uncommon)
• Liver toxicity (Rare)

Contraindications

A contraindication is a specific situation in which a drug should not be used because it may be harmful to the patient. Lapatinib is contraindicated in people who are allergic to it or to any of the ingredients in the medication.

Drug to Drug Interactions

Several medications can interact with Lapatinib. Some of them include:

• Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
• Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane)
• Phenytoin (Dilantin)
• St. John’s wort

Lapatinib in Pregnancy

Lapatinib is not recommended during pregnancy. It may cause harm to the unborn baby. Always consult your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Lapatinib while Breastfeeding

It is not known whether Lapatinib passes into breast milk. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding while taking this medication.

Estimated Cost of Medication

The estimated cost of a 30-day supply of Lapatinib (250 mg) is approximately $2,300 without insurance, according to GoodRx.

Possible Alternatives

For Advanced or Metastatic Breast Cancer, alternatives may include other HER2 targeted therapies, hormone therapies, chemotherapy, or surgery. Lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and regular exercise may also support overall health. Always discuss alternatives with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan.

Recent Updates on Lapatinib Research

Recent research suggests Lapatinib may be beneficial in other types of cancer that overexpress HER2, such as gastric cancer. Ongoing studies are examining its use in combination with other treatments. Always consult with your healthcare provider for the latest treatment options, and consider our telemedicine services for accessible, up-to-date medical consultations.

Brief Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.