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Home > Drug Category > Cancer Medications > Tykerb and Equivalent

Tykerb Information

Tykerb (Lapatinib) is typically used to treat advanced or metastatic breast cancer that overexpresses the HER2 (Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2) protein. It is typically used in two specific cases.

Firstly, it is used with capecitabine (an oral chemotherapy) for patients who have already received prior therapy (including an anthracycline, a taxane, and trastuzumab). It is also specifically used with letrozole (an aromatase inhibitor) for postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. The active ingredient is lapatinib ditosylate, a dual tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

HER2-positive breast cancer is a subtype where the cancer cells have an abnormally high number of HER2 receptors on their surface. These receptors act like gas pedals, sending constant signals to the cell to multiply rapidly, which often makes this form of cancer more aggressive than others. Tykerb blocks the internal signaling activity of HER2 and EGFR receptors, preventing cancer cells from receiving growth signals. This is particularly beneficial for patients whose cancer has become resistant to large-molecule treatments like trastuzumab. Because lapatinib is a small-molecule inhibitor, it may have some activity against brain metastases. Although its penetration of the blood-brain barrier is limited, it also plays a specialized role in helping to manage or slow the progression of brain metastases, which can be a significant complication in advanced HER2-positive cases.

Tykerb Side Effects

Like other medications, lapatinib is associated with some side effects. Some common side effects of this medication include diarrhea, red, painful hands and feet, nausea, rash, vomiting, tiredness or weakness, mouth sores, loss of appetite, indigestion, unusual hair loss or thinning, nose bleeds, headache, dry skin, and itching. Contact your doctor if these mild side effects persist or worsen.

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, severe itching and rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Heart problems, including decreased heart function or abnormal heart rhythm.
• Liver problems with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin and eyes, itchy skin, dark urine;
• Lung problems with symptoms like shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chest pain, cough;
• Persistent diarrhea;
• Swelling in the arms or legs

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Tykerb Precautions

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to lapatinib, other ingredients in Tykerb, or any other medications. Before you start taking this medication, ensure that you inform your doctor about any prior or current medical conditions, including the following:
• Diarrhea;
• Heart disease;
• Liver disease;
• Lung disease

This medication may increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn. Therefore, avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, use sunscreen, and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tykerb can cause fetal harm. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Women of reproductive potential taking this medication should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 1 week after the final dose. Likewise, men with female partners of reproductive potential should also use effective contraception during treatment and for 1 week after the last dose. Do not breastfeed while using this medication and for at least 5 to 7 days after the final dose, as the risk to the infant is not fully known but potentially serious. This medication is not for use in children.

Some medications like ketoconazole, clarithromycin, and atazanavir can significantly increase the concentration of Tykerb in the blood, increasing the risk of toxicity. Also, avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking lapatinib, as they can inhibit the enzymes needed to break down the medication. Therefore, before taking this medication, inform your doctor about any other medications you are currently taking, including herbal medicines, to determine if it is safe to use along with Tykerb. Take Tykerb tablets exactly as your doctor prescribes, typically as a single daily dose rather than divided portions. Always swallow the tablets whole with water and never crush or chew them. Take your medication on an empty stomach, either one hour before or one hour after a meal. Taking this medication with food, especially high-fat items, can dangerously increase how much medicine your body absorbs. Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Tykerb?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Tykerb.