Trifluridine/Tipiracil Medication Profile

Summary or Key Points

Trifluridine/tipiracil is an oral medication prescribed to treat metastatic colorectal cancer and gastric cancer. It works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells, slowing or stopping their spread. It’s important to use this medication as prescribed by your healthcare provider and to report any side effects immediately. As always, consider scheduling a consultation with one of our telemedicine providers for personalized advice.

Names of Medication

U.S. Brand Name: Lonsurf (Trifluridine/tipiracil)

A ‘generic name’ refers to the active ingredient in the medication. In this case, Trifluridine/tipiracil is the generic name, and it’s listed in parentheses after the brand name.

Pharmacologic Category

Trifluridine/tipiracil belongs to a class of medications called antineoplastic agents. Other medications in this category include 5-Fluorouracil, Capecitabine, and Gemcitabine.

Dosing

This medication is used for the treatment of:

• Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: 35 mg/m² orally twice daily on Days 1-5 and 8-12 of each 28-day cycle. Continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
• Gastric Cancer: Same dosing and frequency as for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer.

Remember to consult your doctor or one of our telemedicine providers before adjusting your dose.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Trifluridine/tipiracil is available in the following forms and strengths:

• 15 mg/6.14 mg tablets
• 20 mg/8.19 mg tablets

Administration Instructions

Trifluridine/tipiracil should be taken orally, with food, twice daily. It’s crucial to take it around the same time each day to maintain a consistent level of medication in your body. Do not crush, break, or chew the tablets. Always follow your doctor’s instructions or consult with our telemedicine providers for personalized advice.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

Trifluridine/tipiracil may cause side effects. Not everyone experiences them, and they may go away as your body gets used to the medicine. Side effects include:

• Fatigue: Feeling of tiredness or lack of energy (common)
• Nausea: Feeling sick in the stomach (common)
• Diarrhea: Frequent, loose, or watery bowel movements (common)
• Decreased Appetite: Not feeling hungry (less common)
• Neutropenia: Low white blood cell count (less common, but potentially serious)

If you experience any side effects, contact your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine providers immediately.

Contraindications

Contraindications refer to specific situations where a medication should not be used because it may be harmful to the patient. For Trifluridine/tipiracil, contraindications include:

• Severe renal impairment: Trifluridine/tipiracil is not recommended for patients with severe kidney problems as it can lead to an increased risk of side effects due to a slower removal of the drug from the body.
• Known hypersensitivity to Trifluridine/tipiracil or any of its components: Patients with a known allergic reaction to this medication or any of its components should not take it to avoid serious allergic reactions.

It’s always essential to consult with your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine providers before starting any new medication.

Drug to Drug Interactions

Interactions with Trifluridine/tipiracil can change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. Please notify your healthcare provider of all the products you use, including prescription/non-prescription drugs and herbal products. Notable interactions include:

• Fluorouracil (Adrucil, Carac, Efudex)
• Capecitabine (Xeloda)

Trifluridine/tipiracil in Pregnancy

Trifluridine/tipiracil is classified as Pregnancy Category D, meaning there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks. Always consult your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine providers before starting any new medication during pregnancy.

Trifluridine/tipiracil while Breastfeeding

It’s currently unknown if Trifluridine/tipiracil passes into breast milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed child from this medication, breastfeeding is not recommended while using Trifluridine/tipiracil.

Estimated Cost of Medication

The estimated cost of a 30-day supply of Trifluridine/tipiracil (Lonsurf) without insurance, using a GoodRX coupon, is approximately $6,700. Please note that prices may vary based on location and pharmacy, so it’s always good to check with your local pharmacy or one of our telemedicine providers for the most accurate information.

Possible Alternatives

While Trifluridine/tipiracil is a commonly prescribed medication for metastatic colorectal cancer and gastric cancer, other treatments or lifestyle changes might help. These can include other chemotherapy drugs, radiation therapy, surgery, or adopting a healthy diet and exercise routine to support overall health. As always, any changes to your treatment plan should be discussed with your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine providers.

Recent Updates on Trifluridine/tipiracil Research

Recent studies suggest Trifluridine/tipiracil may be beneficial for other types of cancer. Ongoing clinical trials are exploring its effectiveness in treating small cell lung cancer and metastatic breast cancer. However, these are still under investigation, and Trifluridine/tipiracil is currently not FDA-approved for these indications. Stay in touch with your healthcare provider or our telemedicine services to stay informed about the latest updates on Trifluridine/tipiracil.

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.