What is this medication for?

Lorlatinib is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Your doctor will check for an alteration in your genes before starting you on this.

How should I take/use this medication?

• Take Lorlatinib once a day

• You may take it with or without food

• Do not break or crush the tablet. Swallow the tablet whole.

  • Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have difficulty swallowing.

What should I do if I forget to take/use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember if there is at least four hours before your next dose. If not, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses at the same time.

What precautions should I take?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication

• You or your partner becomes pregnant or is planning for pregnancy. You should use effective birth control during and for at least:

  • Six months after stopping treatment (for women)

  • Three months after stopping treatment (for men)

• You are breastfeeding

  • Do not breastfeed during and for at least seven days after stopping treatment.

• You have any other medical conditions such as high cholesterol or heart problems

• You are taking or intend to take any other medication, supplements, traditional medications or herbal remedies

What are some common side-effects of this medication?

• Increased cholesterol and lipid levels

• Swelling of hands, feet or lower legs

  • Lift up your feet when sitting down

• Numbness and tingling feeling in the joints, arms or legs

• Joint or muscle aches

• Changes in mood and thinking

• Feeling tired and lack of energy

  • Do not drive or operate machinery when you feel tired

• Weight gain

• Diarrhea

  • Drink plenty of clear fluids to replace those lost (two litres everyday)

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

• Symptoms of a drug allergy including one or more of the following:

  • Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue

  • Difficulty in breathing

  • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

• Sudden onset of cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, with fever

• Dark urine or light coloured stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellowing of your eyes or skin

• Low mood feeling that does not go away

• Seizures

• Unusual giddiness or light-headedness

• Slow or abnormal heartbeat

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take this medication?

Avoid taking grapefruit or grapefruit juice when you are taking this medication as it may interact with your medication and increase the risk of side-effects.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How should I throw away this medication safely?