What is Lorbrena?
Lorbrena, a prescription drug, is used to treat certain types of non-small-cell lung cancer that have spread to other areas of the body.Lorbrena can only be used if you have cancer with a specific gene (an abnormal "ALK") marker. This gene will be tested by your doctor.
Warnings
Lorbrena should not be taken if you are taking certain medicines known as strong CYP3A inducers. If you're not sure, ask your doctor for a list.Inform your doctor of all the medications you are taking, as well as any new ones. Some drugs are not to be taken together, and others can cause drug interactions.
Before you take this drug
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Lorbrena will be safe for you:
- Heart problems such as an "AV block" are not a problem unless you wear a pacemaker.
- Lung disease, breathing problems;
- Liver disease
- Depression;
- Seizures;
- High cholesterol (or triglycerides, a type of fat found in the blood)
Lorlatinib may harm an unborn child or cause birth defects if either the mother or father uses Lorbrena.
- Do not take Lorbrena while pregnant if you're a woman. Before starting the treatment, you may have to take a pregnancy test. You should use birth control during your treatment, and also for six months after 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 your last dose.
- If you or your partner are pregnant while using Lorbrena, tell your doctor immediately.
Lorbrena can affect men's fertility. It is still important to use birth control to avoid pregnancy, as lorlatinib may harm the unborn child.Lorbrena may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal birth control (pills, implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings). Your doctor can advise you on the best method of birth control during treatment.Do not breastfeed for 7 days after the last dose of Lorbrena.
Similar/related drugs
Opdivo, Retevmo, Rybrevant, Lumakras, methotrexate, Keytruda, and Avastin
How to take Lorbrena?
Follow the instructions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Read all the instructions on the prescription label.Do not chew or crush the tablet.Take your medicine every day at the same time, with or without eating.Avoid using a tablet that is cracked or broken.Do not take a second dose if you vomit soon after taking Lorbrena. Do not take another dose of Lorbrena until you have taken your next scheduled dosage.Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.Lorbrena should not be stopped or changed without consulting your doctor.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for non-small cell lung cancer:
Take 100 mg once daily until the disease progresses or toxicity is unacceptable.
Comments:
If a dose has been missed, you should take it unless your next dose is within four hours. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed one.
Do not take an extra dose if nausea occurs. Continue with the next dose.
Use: To treat patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer () that is ALK-positive.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose when your next dose is less than four hours away. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
St. John's wort is a dangerous herb. John's wort.
Side effects of Lorbrena
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy to Lorbrena, seek immediate medical attention: itching; difficulty breathing; swelling in your face, lips, or throat; or hives.
If you experience:
- Sudden chest pain, wheezing, and dry cough
- Shortness of breath, rapid breathing
- Fever, chills, and coughs with mucus
- You may feel dizzy or faint.
- You may experience tingling or burning in your feet or hands.
- Unusual changes in mood and behaviour; thoughts of harming yourself
- Hallucinations are hallucinations.
- Speech, memory, and thought problems
If you experience certain side effects, your cancer treatment may be delayed or discontinued permanently.
Lorbrena may cause side effects such as:
- You may experience swelling of your hands, feet, arms, or legs.
- You may experience tingling or burning in your feet or hands.
- Mood changes
- Feeling tired
- Weight gain
- Joint pain;
- Diarrhea.
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
It is sometimes not safe to take certain medications together. Taking certain drugs together can cause side effects and/or make other medications less effective.Many drugs interact with lorlatinib. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible interactions. Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking and those that you will stop or start using.
