When you or someone in your family starts cancer treatment, it's normal to feel a little nervous and curious about the medications your doctor prescribes. It's important to be fully informed when starting a new medication. So today we're going to talk about one such specific anti-cancer drug, Lorlatinib. Let's talk about it simply, as if a friend were explaining it to you.
What is Lorlatinib?
Simply put, lorlatinib is not a typical chemotherapy drug. It works as a "targeted therapy." This means that it directly targets specific proteins that help cancer cells grow. By doing so, it stops the cancer cells from growing.
It is most commonly used to treat a condition called "non-small cell lung cancer." Your doctor may also prescribe this medicine for other conditions. If you have any questions about it, ask your doctor.
Things to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before your doctor prescribes this medicine, it is essential to be fully aware of any other medical conditions you may have. This medicine may interact with those conditions. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor.
- Diabetes (high blood sugar)
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Heart rhythm irregularities or heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Lung disease or lung scarring
- Any mental illness
- Conditions such as seizures
- Thoughts of harming yourself, thoughts of suicide, having attempted to do so, or having a family member do so
- Trying to get pregnant or currently pregnant
- Breastfeeding the baby
- Have had a previous allergic reaction to lorlatinib or any other medicine, food, or dye
How exactly do you use this medicine?
Following the exact instructions for using this medicine is very important for results.
- Take this pill exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time every day .
- Do not crush, crush, or chew the tablet. Swallow it whole with water.
- You can take it before or after meals, but if you experience stomach upset, it's best to take it with food.
- Continue using this treatment until your doctor tells you to stop.
- Very important: Avoid drinking grapefruit juice completely while taking this medicine.
What if the dose is too high? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
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 the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose .
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Lorlatinib is a drug that has a high potential for interaction with other medications. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and herbal teas). It may interact with the following medications:
| Never take these with lorlatinib. | |
|---|---|
| apalutamide, enzalutamide, mitotane, ranolazine | Drugs given for various cancers and heart diseases |
| Antiepileptics such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital | Medications for seizures |
| rifampin, rifapentine | Antibiotics for bacterial infections such as tuberculosis |
| St. John's Wort | An herbal supplement for depression |
| lumacaftor; ivacaftor | Medications for Cystic Fibrosis |
| You may react with these - ask your doctor. | |
| Antibiotics | Ex: clarithromycin |
| Antifungals | Eg: ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole |
| HIV and hepatitis drugs | Ex: ritonavir, boceprevir |
| Hormones and birth control | Things like birth control pills, patches, injections, etc. |
| Other medications | bosentan, modafinil, midazolam |
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
It is normal to feel some discomfort during cancer treatment, as it affects both cancer cells and healthy cells. But do not stop treatment until your doctor tells you to. Inform your doctor about any side effects.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding and male advice
This section is very important. Please pay close attention.
- For women: Avoid getting pregnant completely while taking this medicine. Also, avoid getting pregnant for 6 months after stopping the medicine. Use a non-hormonal method of birth control (e.g., condoms, copper T). Tell your doctor immediately if you have any suspicions that you are pregnant. Avoid breastfeeding while taking the medicine and for 7 days after stopping the medicine.
- For men: Men taking this medication should use a condom during sex with a woman who could become pregnant. This method of contraception should be continued for 3 months after stopping the medication. If you suspect that your partner is pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.
Infections and fever
This medicine may lower your body's immunity and increase your risk of developing infections. Therefore, if you experience symptoms such as fever, cold, sore throat, or cough, do not self-medicate and immediately call your doctor for advice. Try to stay away from sick people.
Cholesterol and sugar levels
Lorlatinib can increase blood cholesterol (especially triglycerides) and blood sugar levels. It can also decrease good cholesterol (HDL). Your doctor will check these regularly. If necessary, they may recommend diet changes or new medications.
Changes in mental health
This medicine can affect some people mentally. Tell your doctor right away if you or your family member notices any of the following changes:
- New or worsening depression
- Thoughts of harming yourself
- Anxiety
- Memory loss
- Unusual, disturbing behaviors or thoughts
What side effects can be seen?
Like any medicine, lorlatinib can have side effects. Some of these can be serious and should be reported immediately.
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue |
| Chest pain or tightness | Could be symptoms of a heart attack |
| Cough, difficulty breathing, body swelling (edema) | Sudden weight gain, swelling of the ankles, hands and feet |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the eyes/skin, pain in the upper right side of the stomach |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, sore throat |
| Symptoms of low blood cell count | Difficulty breathing, extreme fatigue, fainting, lightheadedness |
| Mental changes or epilepsy | The above mental symptoms, confusion, seizures |
| Tell your doctor if it persists or is bothersome. | |
| Nausea, vomiting | Increased blood pressure |
| Vision changes, blurred vision | Increased cholesterol levels |
| Insomnia or decreased sleep | Memory loss, irritability |
Take-Home Message
- Take the medicine exactly as your doctor has prescribed, at the right time, and in the right dose. Never break or crush the pill.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking. Especially avoid drinking grapefruit juice.
- Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medication and for as long as your doctor recommends. Both women and men should be aware of this.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe swelling, or a major change in mood, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not share it with others for any reason.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න