Lapatinib
This page gives a short overview of the drug lapatinib, including what it’s used for, how to take it, how it works, available brands and strengths, warnings, and common side effects.
Context and Approval Date
Lapatinib was first approved by the U.S. FDA on March 13, 2007, to be used with capecitabine for treating advanced or spreading breast cancer in women.
Mechanism of Action of Lapatinib
Lapatinib works by blocking an enzyme called tyrosine kinase. This stops signals from proteins called HER2 and EGFR, which are made by breast cancer cells. By blocking these signals, Lapatinib helps kill the cancer cells and slow their growth.
All Substitutes
View All| Product | Packaging Size | Manufacturer | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lapahope 250mg tablet | 30 tablet | Glenmark Pharmaceuticals | INR 3800 |
| Lanib 250mg Tablet | 30 tablet | BDR Pharmaceuticals | INR 4500 |
| Lapakast 250mg Tablet | 30 tablet | Aprazer Healthcare | INR 2700 |
| Herlapsa 250mg tablet | 30 tablet | Mylan Pharmaceuticals | INR 5500 |
| Herduo 250mg Tablet | 30 tablet | Natco Pharma | INR 4500 |
| Tykerb 250mg Tablet | 30 tablet | Novartis India | INR 9000 |
| Tylidys 250mg tablet | 30 tablet | Zydus Cadila | INR 6000 |
| Hertab 250mg tablet | 30 tablet | Hetero Healthcare | INR 3500 |
Uses of Lapatinib
Lapatinib is used to treat advanced or HER2-positive breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic breast cancer).
Lapatinib administration guidelines and available dosage options
Lapatinib comes as a tablet and is taken along with Capecitabine. The usual dose is 1,250 mg (5 tablets of 250 mg) once a day for 21 days. You can take it before or after food, but always swallow the tablets whole—don’t crush, open, or dissolve them. Your doctor may adjust your dose or stop the treatment temporarily if needed.
Information about lapatinib
Lapatinib uses
Lapatinib is used to treat several types of cancer, including breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, small cell and non-small cell lung cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, thyroid cancer, blood cancer (like chronic myeloid leukemia), gastrointestinal stromal tumors, colon and rectal cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, and chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis.How lapatinib works
Lapatinib is an anti-cancer medicine. It works by blocking HER2 and EGFR receptors, which are proteins that help cancer cells grow and multiply too quickly. By stopping these signals, Lapatinib helps slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells.Common side effects of lapatinib
Common side effects of Lapatinib may include: Back pain, Cough, Diarrhea, Fatigue, Headache, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Nausea, Rash, Stomatitis (Inflammation of the mouth), Vomiting, Weakness, Breathlessness, Decreased appetite, Dry skin, Hair loss, Itching, Nail disorder, Nosebleeds, Dyspepsia, Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome, Pain in extremity, Paronychia, Increased alanine aminotransferase, Increased aspartate aminotransferaseHow to Take Lapatinib
What to Watch For & What to Do
Warning, Precautions, and Side Effects Associated with Lapatinib
warnings
Inform your healthcare provider as soon as you experience any signs of diarrhea or dehydration. Keep track of your blood pressure regularly while using this medication. If you experience severe headaches, confusion, or vomiting, contact your doctor immediately. Be sure to inform your doctor if you have a history of lung inflammation, liver issues, or kidney problems.Precautions
Before starting this treatment, discuss contraceptive options with your doctor if there is a chance you could become pregnant. Use reliable contraceptive methods during the treatment and for five days after completing it. Avoid breastfeeding during the treatment and for five days afterward, as it is unclear whether Lapatinib passes into breast milk.Side effects
Common side effects that may occur during treatment with Lapatinib include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, itching, dry skin, loss of appetite, indigestion, constipation, mouth ulcers, stomach pain, difficulty sleeping, joint or back pain, cough, breathing problems, and headaches. If you experience severe allergic reactions, skin rashes, or any issues related to your heart, liver, or lungs, contact your doctor immediately.Word of advice
Lapatinib can cause severe diarrhea, so it is important to drink plenty of water during treatment. Maintain a well-balanced diet. Avoid grapefruit juice, as it can interfere with how the medication works. This medication may make your skin more sensitive to the sun and increase the risk of skin rashes. Limit sun exposure and always apply sunscreen with a high SPF before going outdoors. Use a soap-free cleanser to wash your skin. Take extra caution while driving or operating machinery, as Lapatinib may impair your ability to do so safely.FAQ - Lapatinib
1What is Lapatinib Tablet used for?
Lapatinib Tablet is used to treat HER2-positive breast cancer, especially when:
1. The cancer has spread to other parts of the body (advanced or metastatic stage).
2. It is used after other treatments haven’t worked well.
3. It is often given with other medicines like capecitabine or letrozole to improve results.
It works by blocking proteins (HER2 and EGFR) that help cancer cells grow.
1. The cancer has spread to other parts of the body (advanced or metastatic stage).
2. It is used after other treatments haven’t worked well.
3. It is often given with other medicines like capecitabine or letrozole to improve results.
It works by blocking proteins (HER2 and EGFR) that help cancer cells grow.
2What is the most common side effect of Lapatinib Tablet?
The most common side effect of Lapatinib Tablet is diarrhea.
This can sometimes be severe, so it's important to stay hydrated and inform your doctor if it doesn’t improve or gets worse.
Other common side effects may include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Tiredness
Rash
Loss of appetite
This can sometimes be severe, so it's important to stay hydrated and inform your doctor if it doesn’t improve or gets worse.
Other common side effects may include:
3Is it safe to take Lapatinib Tablet while drinking juice?
It is generally safe to take Lapatinib Tablet with most juices, except grapefruit juice.
Important Note:
Avoid grapefruit juice while taking Lapatinib. It can increase the level of the medicine in your blood, leading to a higher risk of side effects.
Other juices like apple, orange, or pomegranate are usually safe, but it's best to take the tablet on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after eating or drinking anything other than water).
Always follow your doctor’s advice and read the label for any specific food or drink warnings.
Would you like a list of foods or drinks to avoid during treatment?
Important Note:
Would you like a list of foods or drinks to avoid during treatment?
4Can a pregnant woman take Lapatinib Tablet?
No, a pregnant woman should not take Lapatinib Tablet.
Lapatinib can harm the unborn baby. It is not safe during pregnancy, and women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should avoid using it.
Important precautions:
A pregnancy test may be needed before starting treatment.
Use effective birth control during treatment and for some time after the last dose.
If you become pregnant while taking Lapatinib, tell your doctor immediately.
Lapatinib can harm the unborn baby. It is not safe during pregnancy, and women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should avoid using it.
Important precautions:
5Is Lapatinib Tablet safe for breastfeeding women?
No, Lapatinib Tablet is not safe for breastfeeding women.
Lapatinib may pass into breast milk and harm the nursing baby. Because of this risk:
Breastfeeding should be stopped during treatment with Lapatinib.
Doctors usually recommend waiting for at least a few days to weeks after stopping the medicine before starting breastfeeding again (your doctor will guide you on the exact timing).
Always inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed before starting this medicine.
Lapatinib may pass into breast milk and harm the nursing baby. Because of this risk:
