Lapatinib

What is this medication for?

Lapatinib is a targeted medication used to treat advanced breast cancer. It is normally given together with another oral medication.

How should I take or use this medication?

• Take Lapatinib once a day at around the same time each day. Take the exact dose that the doctor tells you to.
• Take Lapatinib on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 1 hour after 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 or use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
  • You should use effective birth control during treatment
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

• Diarrhea
• Palms of the hands or soles of the feet may become dry, sore and have peeling
  • Especially if taken together with Capecitabine
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rash, dry skin, itch
• Feeling tired

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

• Fever of 38° C or higher
• Sores or ulcers in mouth and throat
• Unusual bleeding, bruising or black sticky stools
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Chest pain, cough or shortness of breath as heart issues may develop rarely
• Unusual water retention or swelling of the hands or feet
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin, or dark tea-coloured urine

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

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 or use this medication?

Avoid taking grapefruit when you are taking this medication as grapefruit may interact with Lapatinib and increases the risk of side-effects.

Avoid traditional Chinese medication (TCM) or ‘Jamu’ when you are on this medication.

How should I store this medication?

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

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

Pack Lapatinib into a bag and bring it back to the pharmacy where you received the medication from.