We know that fighting cancer is not easy. You may hear about different treatments along the way. Lurbinectedin is one such drug, specifically for controlling the growth of lung cancer cells. So if you or a loved one has been prescribed this drug, it is important to know everything about it in simple, clear terms. Let's talk about it.
What exactly is Lurbinectedin?
Simply put, Lurbinectedin is a drug that fights cancer cells. Specifically, it is used to treat certain types of lung cancer. This drug works by slowing down the rate at which cancer cells divide and spread. This means it helps control the growth of cancer. You can find this drug in the market under the brand name `ZEPZELCA`.
This works like chemotherapy, which is why it is given in a hospital or clinic, under medical supervision.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment
Before starting this medication, it is extremely important to give your doctor a complete picture of your health condition. Because that information will determine whether this medication is suitable for you or not, and how it should be given. If you have any of the following, be sure to tell them about it.
- Liver disease: Tell your doctor if you have any liver disease. This medicine is cleared from the body through the liver. If your liver is weak, the effect of the medicine may be altered.
- Blood disorders: Tell your doctor if you have low white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets. This medicine can make these cells even lower, so it's important to be aware of this beforehand.
- Allergic: Tell us if you have ever had an allergy to Lurbinectedin or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- Pregnancy or trying to get pregnant: This is especially important if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. This medicine may harm an unborn baby.
- Breastfeeding: If you are a mother who is breastfeeding a child, you should also tell your doctor about it.
How this medicine is given to you and what to watch out for
This is not a medicine you can take home. Lurbinectedin is a medicine that is given into the body through a vein (intravenous or IV). It is given in a hospital or cancer treatment clinic by trained nursing staff.
Most importantly: Don't miss the days and times you are scheduled to take your medication. If you can't make it on that day, be sure to call your medical team and let them know. It's very important to complete your treatment as scheduled.
If you suspect that you have taken too much of this medicine, you should immediately inform the National Poison Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital or the ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit) of the nearest hospital.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
This medicine may interact with other medicines and foods you are taking. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies). Be especially careful about the following:
| What can collide | Examples |
|---|---|
| Some antibiotics | Medicines like Erythromycin and Clarithromycin |
| Some medications for HIV or Hepatitis | Antiviral drugs |
| Some medications for fungal infections | Medications like Ketoconazole and Itraconazole |
| Some medications for seizures | Medicines like Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin |
| Some foods and herbs | Grapefruit or its juice, St. John's Wort |
Things you should be especially careful about during treatment
General discomfort and risk of infection
It's normal to feel achy and tired when undergoing chemotherapy, as it also affects healthy cells. But continue with your treatment until your doctor tells you to stop.
This medicine can lower your body's immunity . This means you are more likely to get sick, especially infections. If you develop symptoms like fever, chills, sore throat, or cough, do not self-medicate and call your doctor immediately . Try to stay away from people who are sick as much as possible.
Special awareness about pregnancy and breastfeeding
This is a very important matter.
- For women: Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping treatment.
- For men: If you are taking this medicine, avoid fathering a child during treatment and for 4 months after stopping.
- Breastfeeding: Avoid breastfeeding your baby while taking this medicine and for 2 weeks after stopping.
This medicine can cause serious harm to an unborn baby, so be sure to talk to your doctor about more information and safe family planning methods.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, Lurbinectedin can cause side effects. Some require immediate attention, while others are common.
| Side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| If you experience these symptoms, notify your doctor or hospital immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat. |
| Liver injury | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, and yellowing of the eyes or skin. |
| Low red blood cells | Unusual fatigue, dizziness, headache, difficulty breathing. |
| Abnormal bleeding | Bluish patches on the skin, bleeding gums. |
| Kidney injury | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| If these persist or become bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Digestive system problems | Nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation. |
| Appetite | Decreased appetite. |
| Difficulty breathing, cough | Any difficulty breathing or coughing. |
| Increased blood sugar (Hyperglycemia) | Excessive thirst, frequent urination, unusual fatigue, blurred vision. |
Take-Home Message
- Lurbinectedin is a drug for lung cancer that is injected into a vein in a hospital.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and medications you are taking.
- During treatment, be especially aware of signs of infection such as fever and cough. If this occurs, seek medical advice immediately.
- It is very important to avoid becoming pregnant during treatment and for a period of time afterwards. Talk to your doctor about this.
- If you experience serious side effects such as unusual bleeding, yellowing of the skin, or excessive fatigue, notify the hospital immediately.
- It is very important for your recovery that you do not miss your scheduled treatment dates and stay in constant contact with the medical team.
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