Lapatinib

Basic Description:

Lapatinib - Ongoing Trial "Lapatinib (INN), used in the form of lapatinib ditosylate, (USAN) (Tykerb/Tyverb, GSK) is an orally active drug for breast cancer and other solid tumours. It is a dual tyrosine kinase inhibitor which interrupts the HER2 growth receptor pathway." - Wikipedia

Pharmaceutical Classification:

• Antineoplastic Agent - a cancer drug such as a DNA damaging agent
• Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor - pharmaceutical drug that inhibits tyrosine kinases, enzymes responsible for the activation of signal transduction cascades through phosphorylation of various proteins. TKIs are typically used as anti-cancer drugs.
• Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitor - EGFR is a protien found on the surface of cells to which EGF binds. When EGF attaches to EGFR it triggers the activity of tyrosine kinase Causing the cells to grow and multiply. EGFR is found on the prescence of many cancer cells making it a good target for a specific drug.

Associated Trials:

• Lapatinib Study for Children and Adults With Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) and NF2-Related Tumors - www.ClinicalTrials.gov
• Concentration and Activity of Lapatinib in Vestibular Schwannomas - www.ClinicalTrials.gov
• CLapatinib Study for Children and Adults With Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) and NF2-Related Tumors - www.ClinicalTrials.gov

Other Known Uses:

Breast cancer and others.

Side Effects Noted by People with NF2 while on Lapatinib:

Major side effects are uncommon. Since people with NF2 are taking these medications at a low dose, only minimal side effects are common. However, long term use is primarily where these major side effects take place. Monthly Blood and Urine Tests can usually point to an issue before it's a real problem. Talk to your doctor.

• Memory Loss
• Acne
• Nail Infections
• Vision - Light Sensitivity

Additional Side Effects to Watch for:

• Liver Damage
• Anemia
• Low White Cell Count
• Low Platlet Count
• Risk of Infection
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Belly Pain
• Skin Irritation
• Rash
• Mouth Irritation
• Numbness / Tingling of Hands and Feet
• Fatigue
• Irregular Menstrual Cycle

Warning:

Liver Damage: Look for dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, nausea, vomiting or yellowing of skin and/or eyes.

Recommendations:

Take Lapatinib at night instead of the morning to prevent fatigue.

Additional Side Effects

Share with us some side effects you have experienced. -> Share Info You know

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