You or a loved one may be undergoing treatment for cancer. We understand the burden and stress you feel at a time like this. With the advancement of medical science, there are now many effective treatments for cancer. Today we are going to talk about a special medicine that is given for such, especially for colon, rectal, or stomach cancer.
What is this medicine? To be precise...
This medicine contains two ingredients called Trifluridine and Tipiracil . It is commonly known in the market as Lonsurf . Simply put, this is a type of chemotherapy that slows down the growth of cancer cells. It is taken in pill form.
Cancer cells are a type of cell that divides rapidly and uncontrollably. So this drug works by slowing down that rapid division and controlling the spread of cancer.
Things you should tell your doctor before taking medication
Before starting this treatment, it is extremely important that your doctor is aware of your complete health status. If any of the following apply to you, be sure to tell them about it.
- If your blood counts have decreased due to a previous medication.
- If you currently have an infection, especially a viral infection like chickenpox or herpes.
- If you have kidney disease or liver disease.
- Usually, you have a low level of white blood cells, platelets, or red blood cells in your blood.
- If you have recently received radiation therapy, or are currently receiving it.
- If you have an allergic reaction to this medicine, other medicines, foods, or preservatives.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a nursing mother.
Telling your doctor this information without hiding it is very important for the success of the treatment as well as for your safety.
How should I use this medicine?
It is very important to follow the exact instructions for using this medicine.
- Follow your doctor's instructions: Always follow the dosage and route your doctor prescribes. You may be prescribed two different strengths of the same medication. So check the label carefully.
- Swallow the tablet: Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Never break, crush, or chew the tablet.
- Take with food: It is best to take this medicine with a meal.
- Take it on time: Take your medicine at the prescribed intervals, as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more than prescribed for any reason.
- Be careful when handling the medicine: If you have a caregiver who gives you the medicine, it is very important that they wear gloves. You should wash your hands thoroughly with soap after handling the medicine.
- Don't stop: Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice.
What if you take too much medicine? (Overdosage)
If you have any suspicion that you have taken more medicine than you think, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the National Hospital in Colombo immediately. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medicine?
Do not take an extra dose to make up for a missed dose. This can be dangerous. Call your doctor for advice on what to do next.
Things to be especially careful about when taking medication
You need to pay a little more attention to your body while taking this medicine.
Pregnancy and lactation
- For women: Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping .
- For men: If you are taking this medicine, avoid fathering a child during treatment and for 3 months after stopping it . This medicine can cause serious harm to an unborn baby.
- Breastfeeding mothers: Avoid breastfeeding while taking this medicine and for at least one day after stopping.
Infections
This medicine reduces your body's ability to fight disease, that is, your immunity.
- If you develop symptoms such as fever, cold, or sore throat, do not self-medicate and call your doctor immediately.
- Do not take common painkillers (such as Aspirin, Paracetamol, Ibuprofen) without medical advice. These can suppress your fever and make it difficult to tell if you have an infection.
- Avoid places where sick people hang out as much as possible.
Bleeding
This medicine may increase the risk of bleeding and bruising.
- Be very careful when brushing and flossing your teeth. Your gums may bleed.
- If you are undergoing any dental treatment, tell the dentist that you are taking this medicine.
- If you bruise or bleed abnormally (e.g., from the nose or gums), tell your doctor immediately.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any chemotherapy drug, this one can have side effects. This is because these drugs affect both cancer cells and healthy cells in our body. So it's normal to feel tired and uncomfortable. However, be aware of the following symptoms.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics and what to do |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Low blood counts | This increases the risk of infection and bleeding. Watch out for the following symptoms. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, pain when urinating. |
| Bleeding symptoms | Unexplained bruising, small red spots on the skin, black stools, and blood in the urine. |
| Symptoms of low red blood cells (Anemia) | Feeling unusually tired, feeling weak, fainting, and falling. |
| Symptoms of a blood clot | Difficulty breathing, vision changes, chest pain, sudden severe headache, leg pain, swelling, difficulty speaking. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Digestive system problems | Diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain. |
Take-Home Message
- Take your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, in the correct dosage, and at the correct time.
- Never break, crush, or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
- Watch for signs of infection, such as fever, unusual bleeding, or bruising. If you notice anything, tell your doctor immediately.
- Avoid becoming pregnant or fathering children during and for a period of time after treatment.
- It's normal to feel uncomfortable during treatment. But don't be afraid of it, and talk to your doctor about everything you're feeling.
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