What is Lonsurf?
Lonsurf, an oral combination tablet containing trifluridine and tipiracil, contains both. Trifluridine and tipiracil are anti-cancer drugs that inhibit the growth of cancerous cells.
Adults with:
- Colorectal cancer (metastatic) that has spread into other parts of the human body, as a single drug or in combination with Bevacizumab for patients who have been previously treated with specific types of chemotherapy
- Adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction, or metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma, has been previously treated with two specific chemotherapy regiments.
Warnings
Lonsurf is safe to use.Lonsurf can affect your immune system, causing serious bone marrow suppression. Infections, including serious or deadly infections, may be more common. If you experience a fever or chills, or have body aches or unusual bruising or bleeding, call your doctor.Blood tests are required before, during, and after each Lonsurf cycle. If you experience any signs of infection, such as fever, chills, or body aches, call your doctor immediately. The Lonsurf dosage may need to be reduced.It is not recommended that pregnant women take Lonsurf because it may harm the unborn child. Your doctor may require you to undergo a pregnancy test if you are a woman with reproductive potential. Use effective contraception when taking Lonsurf.
Before you take this drug
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Lonsurf will be safe for you:
- Kidney disease is a condition that affects the kidneys.
- Liver disease
Before starting the treatment, you may need a negative pregnancy result.In severe kidney disease, the dosage may need to be reduced. Lonsurf should not be used in patients with liver disease.Lonsurf can cause blood abnormalities in people over 65.If either the mother or father are taking this medication, it can cause harm to an unborn child.
- Women should not take Lonsurf while pregnant. Use birth control to avoid pregnancy during your treatment with this medication and for 6 months following the last dose.
- Use effective birth control if you're a man and your partner can get pregnant. Continue to use birth control at least three months after the last dose.
- If you or your partner become pregnant while using Lonsurf, tell your doctor immediately.
This medicine should not be taken within 24 hours of your last dose or while breastfeeding.
Similar/related drugs
Keytruda, Avastin, Fluorouracil, Capecitabine, Pembrolizumab, Xeloda, and Herceptin
How to take Lonsurf?
Follow the instructions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Read all the instructions and directions that come with your prescription. Sometimes your doctor will change the dose.You will need to have blood tests before and during the treatment with this medication. It is important to time these tests correctly.Lonsurf dosage is determined by your body surface area, which can be calculated using your weight and height. The usual dose is 35 mg/m2/dose, and it's taken orally twice daily. Your doctor will determine the correct dose for you. If you gain or lose weight, your dosage may be adjusted.
- You may need to take two or more tablets of different colours and strengths in order to get the right dose. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions for dosage. Lonsurf is available in two strengths.
- Do not chew or crush the tablet.
- Lonsurf can be taken in 28-day cycles. It is possible that you will only need to take the medication on certain days during each cycle. Your doctor will decide how long you should take this medication.
- Take Lonsurf within an hour after completing your morning and evening meals.
- Always wash your hands after handling Lonsurf tablets. Rubber gloves should be worn by carers who handle or touch the tablets.
- The doses of trifluridine and tipiracil are determined by the body surface area. Your dose needs may change if you gain or lose weight.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you forget to take a dose, call your doctor. Do not take more than one dose at a time.Do not take a second dose if you vomit soon after taking Lonsurf. Do not take another dose until you have taken your next scheduled dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Trifluridine and tipiracil can be passed into body fluids such as urine, faeces, or vomit. Rubber gloves should be worn by carers when cleaning up the body fluids of a patient, changing diapers, or handling contaminated laundry or trash. Hands should be washed before and after gloves are removed. Separately, wash soiled linens and clothing.
Side effects of Lonsurf
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, and/or difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical attention.
If you experience:
- Low platelet levels in your blood—bruising easily, unusual bleeding, or purple or red patches under your skin
- Anaemia (low red blood cells), pale skin, unusual fatigue, feeling lightheaded or hort of breath,, cold hands or feet;
- Low counts of white blood cells; fever; sores on the lips; sores on the skin; sores in the throat; coughing; difficulty breathing.
If you experience certain side effects, your cancer treatment may be suspended or discontinued.In older adults, serious side effects are more likely to occur.
Lonsurf may cause side effects such as:
- Feeling weak or tired
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
- The following are examples of how to use
- Stomach pain and loss of appetite
- Mouth ulcers
- Pain when swallowing
- Hair loss
- Low blood cell count
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal remedies, may also interact with trifluridine and tipiracil. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.
