What is Lapatinib Ditosylate? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Lapatinib Ditosylate

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• This medicine is given together with capecitabine or letrozole. Follow your doctor's instructions on when to take these medicines.

• Take this medicine at least 1 hour before or 1 hour after a meal. Take all the tablets at the same time.

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

What to do if you miss a dose of Lapatinib Ditosylate

Lapatinib Ditosylate contraindications - Who shouldn't take Lapatinib Ditosylate?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to lapatinib, or if you are pregnant.

Lapatinib Ditosylate warnings

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Heart problems, including changes in heart rhythmLiver problemsLung problems (including interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis)Serious skin reactions

• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, heart disease, heart rhythm problems (including QT prolongation), electrolyte imbalance, or lung disease.

• Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine and for 1 week after the last dose.

• Oral routeThis medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for 1 week after the last dose. Male patients with female partners should use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for 1 week after the last dose.

• Oral routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Lapatinib Ditosylate interactions & what to avoid when taking Lapatinib Ditosylate

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Oral routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Heart problems, including changes in heart rhythmLiver problemsLung problemsSerious skin reactions

• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

• Some foods and medicines can affect how lapatinib works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Dexamethasone, digoxin, midazolam, nefazodone, paclitaxel, St John's wortBlood pressure medicineMedicine to treat heart rhythm problemsMedicine to treat an infection (including clarithromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine, voriconazole)Medicine to treat HIV infection (including atazanavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, telithromycin)Medicine to treat seizures (including carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin)