250 mg film coated tablets
Lapatinib Ditosylate
Consumer Medicine Information
NOTICE: This Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) is intended for persons
living in Australia. This page contains answers to some common
questions about . It does
not contain all the information that is known about
. It does not take the
place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist. All medicines have risks
and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risk of you using this medicine
against the benefits he/she expects it will have for you. If you have
any concerns about using this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Bookmark or print this page, you may need to read it again.
What is TYKERB used for?
TYKERB is used to treat certain types of breast cancer. It may slow or stop cancer cells from growing, or may kill them.
TYKERB is prescribed for the treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic breast cancer who have tumours that produce
large amounts of a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2, also known as ErbB2).
While taking TYKERB for this condition, you will also take another medicine. This could be tablets containing capecitabine
(Xeloda®), or a medicine called paclitaxel which is given as an infusion in a hospital or clinic. For tumours which are hormone sensitive,
TYKERB may be given with an aromatase inhibitor tablet. Information about these medicines is described in separate Consumer
Medicine Information leaflets. Please ensure you read the information for the other medicines you are prescribed.
Your doctor may have prescribed TYKERB for another reason.
This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription.
TYKERB is not addictive.
Before you take TYKERB
Do not take if:
You must not take TYKERB if:
you have ever had a severe allergic (hypersensitive) reaction to TYKERB (lapatinib). Check with your doctor if you think
this may apply to you.
you have ever had an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients listed toward the end of this leaflet. (See "Ingredients")
the expiry date (EXP) printed on the pack has passed.
the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
Tell your doctor if:
Before you take TYKERB your doctor needs to know:
If you have any heart problems.
If you have any lung problems or problems breathing.
If you have any liver problems.
Check with your doctor if you think any of these may apply to you. You may need extra tests to check that your heart and
liver are working properly. Your doctor may decide to adjust your dose or stop treatment based on the results of these tests.
Other medicines and TYKERB
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, or have recently taken any other medicines including any medicines you bought
without a prescription. This includes herbal medicines.
Some medicines may affect the way TYKERB works or TYKERB may affect how other medicines work. These include:
erythromycin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, rifabutin, rifampicin, telithromycin (used to treat
infections)
ritonavir, saquinavir (used to treat HIV)
cisapride (used to treat digestive system problems)
drugs that decrease stomach acidity (used to treat stomach ulcers or indigestion)
quinidine, digoxin (used to treat heart problems)
verapamil (used to treat high blood pressure or angina)
rosuvastatin (used to treat high cholesterol)
repaglinide (used to treat diabetes)
phenytoin, carbamazepine (used to treat seizures)
pimozide (used to treat mental health problems)
nefazodone (used to treat depression)
St John's Wort (a herb extract used to treat depression)
cyclosporine (used to suppress the immune system for example after organ transplantations)
topotecan, paclitaxel, irinotecan, docetaxel (used to treat cancer)
Tell your doctor if you are taking any of these.
Taking TYKERB with food and drink
TYKERB is affected by food intake (See How to Take TYKERB). You should not drink grapefruit juice while you are being treated
with TYKERB as this may increase the chance of side effects.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
Use a reliable method of contraception to avoid becoming pregnant while you're taking TYKERB.
If you are pregnant or think you could be, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking TYKERB. Your doctor
may recommend that you don't take TYKERB while you are pregnant.
Breast-feeding is not recommended during treatment with TYKERB. Ask your doctor for advice.
Driving and using machines
TYKERB can cause tiredness and may make you unfit to drive. Don't drive or operate machinery unless you're feeling well.
How do I take TYKERB?
Always take TYKERB exactly as your doctor has told you.
You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure
How much to take
In combination with capecitabine: The usual dose is 5 TYKERB tablets (a total dose of 1250 mg) taken once a day.
In combination with paclitaxel: The usual dose is 6 TYKERB tablets (a total dose of 1500 mg) taken once a day.
In combination with an aromatase inhibitor: The usual dose is 6 TYKERB tablets (a total dose of 1500 mg) taken once a day.
How to take it
Swallow the tablets whole with water, one after the other, at about the same time each day.
It is important that you take TYKERB either at least one hour before or at least one hour after food.
If you are being treated with a combination of TYKERB and paclitaxel, your doctor will advise you about the dose of paclitaxel,
and how often you will receive it.
If you are being treated with a combination of TYKERB and capecitabine, your doctor will advise you about the dose of capecitabine,
when to take it and how often.
If you are being treated with a combination of TYKERB and an aromatase inhibitor, your doctor will advise you about the dose
of the aromatase inhibitor, when to take it and how often.
Depending on your response to treatment, your doctor may recommend lowering your dose of TYKERB or temporarily stopping it.
If you forget to take TYKERB
Don't take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Take the next dose at the scheduled time.
How long to take it for
Take TYKERB for as long as your doctor recommends. Don't stop unless your doctor advises you to.
What do I do if I take too much? (Overdose)
Immediately telephone your doctor or Poisons Information Centre (In Australia call 131126. In New Zealand call 0800 POISON
or 0800 764 766) for advice, if you think you or anyone else may have taken too much TYKERB, even if there are no signs of
discomfort or poisoning. If you are not sure what to do, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
While you are taking TYKERB
Things you must do
Tell your doctor if, for any reason, you have not taken your medicine exactly as directed.
Otherwise, your doctor may think that it was not working as it should and change your treatment unnecessarily.
Things you must not do
Do not give this medicine to anyone else, even if their symptoms seem similar to yours.
Do not use TYKERB to treat any other complaints unless your doctor says to.
What are the side effects?
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you think you are experiencing any side effects or allergic reactions due to
taking TYKERB, even if the problem is not listed below.
Like all medicines, TYKERB can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. If they occur, they are most likely
to be minor and temporary. However, some may be serious and need medical attention.
These side effects have occurred with TYKERB alone, or in combination with capecitabine, paclitaxel or letrozole (an aromatase
inhibitor).
Severe allergic reaction
This rare side effect may affect up to 1 in 1000 people and develop rapidly.
Symptoms may include:
skin rash (including itchy, bumpy rash)
unusual wheezing, or difficulty in breathing
swollen eyelids, lips or tongue
pains in muscles or joints
collapse or blackout.
Tell your doctor immediately if you get any of these symptoms. Don't take any more tablets.
Very common side effects
These may affect more than 1 in 10 people:
diarrhoea (which can be severe). Contact your doctor immediately at the first sign of diarrhoea (loose stool), as it is important
that this is treated right away
low levels of white blood cells and red blood cells
muscle pain
numbness, tingling or weakness of the arms and legs
loss of appetite
indigestion or stomach pain
feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)
constipation
tiredness
unusual hair loss or thinning
nose bleed
sore mouth or mouth ulcers
trouble sleeping (insomnia)
back pain
rash or dry skin
a skin reaction or pain on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet (including tingling, numbness, pain, swelling or reddening).
Common side effects
These may affect up to 1 in 10 people:
an effect on how your heart works - this may cause an irregular heartbeat and shortness of breath
liver problems - this may cause itching, yellow eyes or skin (jaundice), dark urine or pain or discomfort in the right upper
area of the stomach
headache
nail disorders - such as a tender infection and swelling of the cuticles.
Uncommon side effects
These may affect up to 1 in 100 people:
swelling of the lungs - this may cause coughing or shortness of breath.
Rare side effects
These may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people:
severe allergic reactions (See the beginning of this section).
If you get side effects
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if any of the side effects listed become severe or troublesome, or if you notice any side effects
not listed in this leaflet.
How do I store TYKERB?
Keep this medicine where children cannot reach it, such as in a locked cupboard.
Do not store above 30°C.
Do not leave in a car, on a window sill or in a bathroom.
Do not use TYKERB after the expiry date which is stated on the carton.
Keep TYKERB in its blister pack until it's time to take it.
Disposal
If you have any unwanted tablets don't put them in wastewater or household rubbish. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of
tablets you don't need. This will help to protect the environment.
Product description
What TYKERB looks like
TYKERB is presented in blister packs of 40, 70, 84 and 168 tablets and HDPE bottle packs of 70 and 84 tablets.
* not all pack sizes may be available.
TYKERB tablets are oval, biconvex, yellow film-coated, and with GS XJG debossed on one side.
Ingredients
TYKERB contains the active ingredient lapatinib ditosylate monohydrate. Each film-coated tablet contains 250 mg of lapatinib.
TYKERB also contains Microcrystalline Cellulose, Povidone, Sodium Starch Glycolate, Magnesium Stearate, Hypromellose, Titanium
Dioxide, Macrogol/PEG400, Polysorbate, Iron Oxide Yellow and Iron Oxide Red.
Sponsor
TYKERB is supplied in Australia by:
GlaxoSmithKline Australia Pty Ltd
Level 4, 436 Johnston Street
Abbotsford, Victoria, 3067
Australia.
TYKERB is supplied in New Zealand by:
GlaxoSmithKline NZ Limited
Private Bag 106600
Downtown
Auckland 1143
New Zealand
Where to go for further information:
Pharmaceutical companies are not in a position to give people an individual diagnosis or medical advice. Your doctor or pharmacist
is the best person to give you advice on the treatment of your condition. You may also be able to find general information
about your disease and its treatment from patient information groups and product specific organisations.
This leaflet was prepared on
1 June 2012.
The information provided applies only to: TYKERB.
TYKERB® is a registered trade mark of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies.
TYKERB®:
250mg blister pack - AUST R 132305
250mg bottle pack - AUST R 185997
This leaflet is subject to copyright.
Version 6.0