Apply for Lonsurf (Trifluridine plus Tipiracil) Copay Assistance Now

Photo Of 2 Doctors

Need info on Lonsurf?

Call Us for Immediate Assistance (917) 830-2525

  • PATIENT INFORMATION
  • MM slash DD slash YYYY
  • DOCTOR'S INFORMATION
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

FAQs

What are the potential side effects of Lonsurf (Trifluridine plus Tipiracil?

Lonsurf (Trifluridine plus Tipiracil) can cause several potential side effects. Common side effects may include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, and anemia. Additionally, patients may experience infections, fever, weakness, headache, dizziness, and changes in blood cell counts. It’s essential to discuss any side effects with a healthcare professional while undergoing treatment with Lonsurf. Here’s a list of some side effects for easy reference;

Common Side Effects:

  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Decreased appetite
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness

Serious Side Effects:

  • Low White Blood Cell Count (Neutropenia) – Increased risk of infections
  • Low Red Blood Cell Count (Anemia) – Fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath
  • Low Platelet Count (Thrombocytopenia) – Increased risk of bleeding and bruising
  • Severe Diarrhea – Can lead to dehydration
  • Liver Enzyme Elevations – Possible liver damage
  • Severe Nausea & Vomiting – Can lead to dehydration and weight loss

Rare but Serious Side Effects:

  • Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) – Inflammation in the lungs causing breathing difficulties
  • Severe Allergic Reactions – Rash, swelling, difficulty breathing
  • Heart Problems – Chest pain, irregular heartbeat

Patients should inform their doctor if they experience any of these side effects. Some may require immediate medical attention.

Are there any drug interactions with Lonsurf (Trifluridine plus Tipiracil?

Lonsurf (Trifluridine plus Tipiracil) may interact with other medications, potentially affecting their efficacy or increasing the risk of side effects. Some notable drug interactions include:

  1. Warfarin or other anticoagulants: Lonsurf may increase the risk of bleeding when used concomitantly with anticoagulant medications. Monitoring of blood clotting parameters may be necessary, and the dosage of anticoagulants may need adjustment.
  2. Fluoropyrimidines (e.g., fluorouracil): Concomitant use of Lonsurf with other fluoropyrimidines may increase the risk of toxicity, and caution should be exercised when combining these medications.
  3. Uridine triacetate: Uridine triacetate, used to treat overdose or severe toxicity from fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy, may interact with Lonsurf. Using them together may reduce the effectiveness of uridine triacetate.
  4. CYP2D6 substrates: Tipiracil, one of the components of Lonsurf, may inhibit CYP2D6 enzyme activity. Therefore, medications metabolized by CYP2D6, such as certain antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine, paroxetine), may have altered levels when used with Lonsurf.

Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, including prescription, over-the-counter, herbal supplements, and vitamins, that you are taking before starting Lonsurf. This helps in identifying and managing potential drug interactions effectively. Adjustments in dosages or the need for alternative medications might be considered to minimize the risk of adverse effects or reduced efficacy.

Is Lonsurf chemotherapy?

Yes, Lonsurf (trifluridine and tipiracil) is a type of chemotherapy. It is an oral chemotherapy drug used to treat:

  • Metastatic colorectal cancer (that has progressed after standard treatments)
  • Metastatic gastric cancer (including gastroesophageal junction cancer)
What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line immediately at 1-800-222-1222.