Lapatinib Drug For Breast Cancer – Uses, Side Effects And Precautions

Lapatinib (Trade names: Tykerb, Tyverb)

This is a single transduction inhibitor, approved for use in the treatment of advanced or metastatic breast cancer, where the tumor expresses HER2. This is used in combination with standard chemotherapy for breast cancer.

Hand holding a syringe

Side effects of lapatinib

The most commonly known side effects of Lapatinib include:

  • Diarrhoea
  • Cardiac toxicity
  • Myelosuppression
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss, loss of appetite
  • Anorexia
  • Hand foot syndrome and skin rash

Availability, administration and dosage of lapatinib

Lapatinib is available in tablet form (250 mg) and administered orally within a dosage range of 1000 mg to 1500 mg, given daily depending on the type of combination chemotherapy, for a period of twenty one days.

It should be used with caution in patients with pre-existing liver dysfunction. The cardiac functionality of the patient should be monitored for anomalies and fluctuations when they are on a lapatinib schedule. It is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers.

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