What you need to know about Larotrectinib, a liquid that controls the growth of cancer cells

Has your doctor prescribed you or someone you know a medicine called Larotrectinib? It usually comes in the form of a solution. When you hear this name, you probably have a lot of questions about what kind of medicine it is, how it works in the body, and what precautions you need to take while using it. Don't worry. We'll talk about all of that in a simple way that you can understand today.

Simply put, what is Larotrectinib?

Larotrectinib is a special medicine that is used to treat some types of cancer. There is a special protein in our body that helps cancer cells grow, divide, and spread quickly. This medicine blocks the action of that protein. It is like applying the brakes on a speeding car. This stops cancer cells from growing, multiplying, and spreading to other parts of the body. You will see the brand name for this medicine as VITRAKVI Solution.

Things you should definitely tell your doctor before starting this medication:

It is very important for your doctor to be aware of your complete health status before prescribing this medication. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor about them.

• Liver disease: If you have any liver disease.
• Nerve problems: If you have tingling in your fingers or toes, or other nerve problems.
• Allergies: If you have an allergy to this medicine, Larotrectinib, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives.
• Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or your partner is trying to get pregnant.
• Breastfeeding: If you are a mother who is breastfeeding a child.

Based on this information, your doctor will decide whether this medication is right for you or whether the dosage needs to be changed.

How exactly do I use this medicine?

Using this medicine correctly can greatly affect the results, so be careful about these things.

• This is a liquid that you take by mouth. You can take it with water. Try to take the medicine at the same time every day , as prescribed by your doctor.
• Use a specially marked oral syringe, spoon, or dropper to measure the medicine. You can buy these at the pharmacy. Do not use regular teaspoons at home , as they are not accurate.
• You can take this medicine before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
• Never take this medicine with grapefruit juice.
• If you experience any side effects, your doctor may want to change the dose of your medication or stop taking it for a while. Do not change the dose or stop taking the medication yourself without medical advice.
• Please read the INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE that comes with this medicine carefully. If you have any questions about it, talk to your doctor.
• This medicine is also prescribed for children over 1 month old in some special cases. However, there are some things to be careful about. Therefore, if you are giving it to a child, follow the doctor's instructions exactly.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is less than 6 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.

If you vomit after taking the medicine, skip that dose. Take the next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take an extra dose.

What if I take too much medicine?

Special points to be aware of when taking the medicine

It's important to pay a little more attention to your body while taking this medication.

• Medical supervision: Your doctor will monitor your condition regularly. He or she may also order some blood work during this time.
• Driving: This medicine may affect your balance, reaction time, and decision-making ability. Therefore, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizziness or lightheadedness, stand up slowly when getting up from a sitting position or from bed. Drinking alcohol can increase these side effects.
• Pregnancy and birth control: This is very important.
• If you take this medicine during pregnancy, or if you become pregnant within a week of stopping the medicine, the baby may have serious birth defects.
• Before starting the medication, you should take a test to make sure you are not pregnant.
• It is imperative to use a highly effective method of birth control throughout the entire period of taking the medication and for one week after taking the last dose .
• If your partner is taking this medication, and you are able to get pregnant, he must use a condom during sexual intercourse while he is taking the medication and for one week after stopping.
• Breastfeeding: Avoid breastfeeding your baby while taking this medicine and for one week after stopping the medicine.
• Fertility: This medicine may affect fertility. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor.

Side effects that may occur with this medicine

Like all medicines, larotrectinib can cause some side effects, although not everybody gets them. Watch out for the following symptoms:

This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience any unusual symptoms, talk to your doctor about them.

How do you store and dispose of the medicine?

• Storage: Store the medicine in the refrigerator . But do not store it in the freezer , which means do not let it freeze. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
• Removal:
• If it is a 50 milliliter (50-mL) bottle, throw away any remaining medicine after 31 days of opening it or after the expiration date.
• If it is a 100 milliliter (100-mL) bottle, throw away any remaining medicine 90 days after opening it or after the expiration date.
• There are safe ways to dispose of expired or unwanted medications. Ask your doctor about this. Sometimes there may be a drug take-back program. Alternatively, you can mix the liquid medication with something like cat litter, soil, or coffee grounds, put it in a tightly sealed bag, and throw it in the trash. Never flush medications down the toilet without medical advice.

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