Has your doctor told you to start Lorlatinib because you or someone in your family has lung cancer? It's normal for questions to come to mind when you hear that. "What kind of medicine is this?", "Will this cure the disease?", "Are there any side effects?" You may be wondering. Don't worry. We'll talk about this medicine in a simple way that you can understand.
What kind of medicine is Lorlatinib?
Simply put, Lorlatinib is a special type of medicine that is given to control the growth of lung cancer cells. There is a special protein in our body that helps cancer cells grow and spread further. What this medicine does is to stop the function of that protein. It is like closing a food pipe for cancer cells. Then the cancer cells cannot grow, or their growth occurs to a great extent. This helps a lot in controlling the spread of cancer in the body.
Doctors may sometimes prescribe this medicine for other conditions, so if you have any questions, ask your doctor about it.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before starting Lorlatinib, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions or problems:
| Disease or problem | Why should you inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | This medicine may increase blood sugar levels. |
| High blood pressure | This medicine may further increase blood pressure. |
| Increased blood cholesterol levels | This medication may increase bad cholesterol levels. |
| Heartbeat irregularities | Heart function may be affected. |
| Other kidney or lung diseases | The dose of the medicine may need to be changed or special care may be required. |
| Mental health problems (e.g. depression, suicidal thoughts) | This medication can sometimes alter mental states, so special attention is required. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | This medicine can cause serious harm to an unborn baby. |
| If the baby is breastfed | It is not recommended because the medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk. |
| Allergies to other medications, foods, or substances | It is important to know if you are also allergic to this medication. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
Since this is a cancer medicine, it is very important to take it exactly as the doctor says, and on time.
- Take it on time: Get in the habit of taking this medicine at the same time every day.
- Swallow the tablet whole: Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet. Swallow the tablet whole with a little water.
- Before or after meals: This medicine can be taken before or after meals. However, if you feel an upset stomach, it is best to take it with food.
- Don't stop: Don't stop taking your medicine until your doctor tells you to. Keep taking it, even if you feel a little better.
- Do not drink grapefruit juice: Avoid drinking grapefruit juice completely while taking this medication. It can affect the effectiveness of the medication.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is less than 4 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose. Just take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never give it to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
What other medications may interact with this medicine?
Lorlatinib is a drug that can interact with many other medications. Therefore , it is essential to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements you are taking.
In particular, if you are taking the following medications, you should inform your doctor about them.
- Some medications used for seizures (e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin)
- Some types of antibiotics
- Medicines for viral diseases such as HIV or hepatitis
- Medicines for fungal infections
- Herbal medicines like St. John's wort
This list is not complete, so it's best to tell your doctor about everything you're taking.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
You need to take a little extra care of your body while taking this medicine.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- For women: You should avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping the medicine. This medicine can seriously harm an unborn baby. Therefore, use a reliable form of birth control (such as a condom). Birth control pills containing hormones may not work properly with this medicine, so talk to your doctor about it.
- For men: If you are taking this medicine, avoid getting pregnant while taking the medicine and for 3 months after stopping. Use a condom during sex.
- Breastfeeding: Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine and for 7 days after stopping.
Public health and infections
You may feel a little uncomfortable and tired while taking this medicine. This is normal, because this type of cancer medicine (chemotherapy) also affects healthy cells. But tell your doctor about any discomfort you experience.
This medicine may lower your immunity and increase your chances of getting sick . Therefore, if you experience symptoms like fever, cold, or sore throat, do not self-medicate and talk to your doctor. Minimize your visits to places where sick people are as much as possible.
Blood tests and other effects
- Cholesterol and sugar: This medication can increase your blood cholesterol and sugar levels. Your doctor will often ask you to have blood tests to check for this.
- Mental health: Some people may experience anxiety, irritability, sadness, or suicidal thoughts while taking this medication. If you or your family notice any significant changes in your behavior or thoughts, tell your doctor right away.
What are the possible side effects of the medication?
Like all medications, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Breathing difficulties | Sudden dry cough, difficulty breathing. |
| Changes in heart rate | Heart palpitations, dizziness, chest pain. |
| Symptoms of high blood sugar (Hyperglycemia) | Thirst more than usual, frequent urination, extreme fatigue, blurred vision. |
| Mental and behavioral changes | Restlessness, agitation, mental confusion, suicidal thoughts. |
| Nervous system problems | Numbness or pain in the limbs, muscle weakness, difficulty walking, seizures. |
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Diarrhea | Diarrhea |
| Fatigue | Lifeless body |
| Joint pain | Joint pain |
| Body swelling | Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet |
| Weight gain | Weight gain |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything else, talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Lorlatinib is a targeted therapy that controls the growth of lung cancer cells.
- Before starting this medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- Take the medicine exactly as your doctor tells you, on time. Do not break or crush the tablets. Do not drink grapefruit juice.
- If you experience a serious side effect (difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe allergic reaction, mental changes), seek medical advice immediately.
- Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medication. This applies to both men and women.
- If you have any questions or doubts, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor.
💬 Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts here.
Add Your Comment