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In this Article

• What is lapatinib (Tykerb)?
• What are the possible side effects of lapatinib (Tykerb)?
• What is the most important information I should know about lapatinib (Tykerb)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking lapatinib (Tykerb)?
• How should I take lapatinib (Tykerb)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Tykerb)?
• What happens if I overdose (Tykerb)?
• What should I avoid while taking lapatinib (Tykerb)?
• What other drugs will affect lapatinib (Tykerb)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking lapatinib (Tykerb)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to lapatinib.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before you take lapatinib, tell your doctor if you have:

• heart disease;
• liver disease; or
• a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome."

FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not use lapatinib without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication.

It is not known whether lapatinib passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take lapatinib (Tykerb)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Be sure to also read the medication guide or patient instructions for capecitabine (Xeloda).

Take lapatinib on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 1 hour after eating.

The usual dose of lapatinib is equal to 5 tablets. You may swallow each tablet one at a time, but take the entire lapatinib dose at the same time each day.

Lapatinib is usually taken together with capecitabine in a 21-day cycle. Lapatinib is given once daily for all 21 days in a row, and capecitabine is given twice daily for only the first 14 days of the cycle. This 21-day cycle is then repeated until your doctor decides that lapatinib is no longer an appropriate treatment for your condition. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Lapatinib is usually continued unless your condition gets worse or you have serious side effects.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your liver function will need to be checked with blood tests on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Store lapatinib at room temperature away from moisture and heat.