What is Lorlatinib?
Lorlatinib, a kinase inhibitor for oral administration, is used to treat cancer. A kinase inhibitor is an enzyme that blocks the action of protein kinases.Lorlatinib treats a type of non-small-cell lung cancer that has spread to the rest of the body. This drug is only used if the cancer you have has a certain genetic marker (an "ALK" abnormal gene). This gene will be tested by your doctor.Lorlatinib can be given when other cancer treatments have failed or stopped working.Lorlatinib has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration on an "accelerated basis". During clinical trials, lorlatinib was effective for some patients, but more studies are required.
Warnings
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
When used together with lorlatinib, some medicines can have unwanted or harmful effects. Tell your doctor about all medications you take, including those you start or stop using.
Tell your doctor if:
- 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 in the blood).
Lorlatinib may harm an unborn child or cause birth defects if either the mother or father uses this medicine.
- Women should avoid using lorlatinib while pregnant. Before starting treatment, you may need to take a pregnancy test. Use contraception to prevent pregnancy while you are on treatment, and up to 6 months after your 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 become pregnant while using lorlatinib, tell your doctor immediately.
This medication may have an effect on male fertility (the ability to reproduce). It is still important to use birth control to avoid pregnancy, as lorlatinib may harm the unborn child.Lorlatinib may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal birth control (pills, skin patches, implants, vaginal rings, and skin patches). Ask your doctor what form of birth control to use while taking this medication.Do not breastfeed for 7 days after taking this medication.
How to take Lorlatinib?
Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instructions 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 another dose if you vomit soon after taking lorlatinib. Do not take another dose of the medication until you have taken your next scheduled dosage.Keep away from moisture and heat at room temperature.Do not stop taking Lorlatinib or change the dose 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.
Use: To treat patients with metastatic anaplastic lymphoma (ALK-positive) non-small-cell lung cancer () who have progressed after receiving crizotinib and at least one ALK-inhibitor for metastatic diseases OR alectinib for the first ALK-inhibitor therapy for metastatic diseases.
OR-ceritinib is the first ALK-inhibitor therapy for metastatic cancer.
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 Lorlatinib
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat, call 911 immediately.
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 behavior; 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.
Some of the most common side effects associated with lorlatinib include:
- 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. Some drugs may affect the blood levels of drugs that you are taking, which can increase side effects and make them 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.
