Lapatinib Tablets

Severe and sometimes fatal liver problems may occur with the use of lapatinib. These problems may develop within days or several months after you start using it. Tell your doctor if you have a history of liver problems. Your doctor may need to check your liver function before you start lapatinib and while you are taking it. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments. Contact your doctor right away if you develop dark urine, pale stools, severe stomach pain, severe tiredness or weakness, unusual itching, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

Uses: Treating certain types of advanced or metastatic breast cancer. It is used in combination with another medicine (capecitabine or letrozole). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Lapatinib is a protein-tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It works by preventing the growth of cancer cells.

Do not use lapatinib if: You are allergic to any ingredient in lapatinibYou have developed liver problems from taking lapatinib in the pastYou have uncorrected low blood potassium or magnesium levelsContact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using lapatinib: Some medical conditions may interact with lapatinib. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• If you are able to become pregnant
• If you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• If you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• If you have bone marrow problems, low white blood cell counts, or low blood platelets
• If you have a history of liver problems, lung problems, heart problems (eg, heart failure), or an irregular heartbeat (eg, qt prolongation)
• If you have low blood potassium or magnesium levels
• If you are taking a calcium channel blocker (eg, diltiazem, verapamil, nifedipine) or you take medicine for depression or stomach problems (eg, ulcers, heartburn, reflux)
• If you take any medicine that may increase the risk of a certain type of irregular heartbeat (prolonged qt interval).
• Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure if any of your medicines may increase the risk of this type of irregular heartbeatIf you have received an anthracycline (eg, doxorubicin) in the past.

    Additional Information:

• Item Code: 17

Generic name: lapatinib (la-pa-ti-nib)

Brand name: tykerb