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FAQs

What is the Tykerb copay assistance program?

QuickRx’s Tykerb copay assistance program operates with the sole purpose of keeping money in your pocket by reducing the cost of your monthly prescription copays.

The Tykerb copay assistance program is free and very easy to use. Fill out the form above to get started today. Sign up for peace of mind.

What is Tykerb?

Tykerb is a brand name for the generic drug Lapatinib. It is an oral medication used for the treatment of advanced or metastatic breast cancer that is HER2-positive. HER2 is a protein that is overexpressed in certain types of breast cancer, and Tykerb works by blocking the signals that promote the growth and spread of HER2-positive breast cancer cells. It is often used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs or hormonal therapies to improve the effectiveness of treatment. Tykerb is a prescription drug and should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

 

Warnings

Some of the key warnings for Tykerb (Lapatinib) include:

  1. Hepatotoxicity: Tykerb may cause liver damage, which can be severe or even fatal. Patients should have their liver function monitored regularly while taking Tykerb, and the medication should be stopped or the dose reduced if liver enzymes become elevated.
  2. Cardiotoxicity: Tykerb has been associated with an increased risk of heart problems, such as heart failure, especially in patients with pre-existing cardiac conditions. Patients should be monitored for signs of heart failure, including shortness of breath, swelling, or rapid weight gain.
  3. Interactions with other medications: Tykerb may interact with other medications, including certain antibiotics, antifungal drugs, and antidepressants. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all medications they are taking before starting Tykerb.
  4. Gastrointestinal toxicity: Tykerb may cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Patients should notify their healthcare provider if they experience severe or persistent gastrointestinal symptoms.
  5. Pulmonary toxicity: Tykerb may cause lung problems, such as interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis. Patients should be monitored for signs of respiratory distress, including cough, shortness of breath, or fever.
  6. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Tykerb may harm a developing fetus, and it is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It is also not known if Tykerb passes into breast milk, so breastfeeding is not recommended while taking the medication.

Patients should discuss these and other potential risks and benefits of Tykerb with their healthcare provider before starting the medication.

Before taking this medicine

Before taking Tykerb (Lapatinib), there are several important things that you should know:

  1. Tykerb is a prescription medication that should only be taken under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
  2. Tykerb is used to treat advanced or metastatic breast cancer that is HER2-positive, meaning the cancer cells overexpress the HER2 protein.
  3. Tykerb can cause serious side effects, including liver damage, heart problems, and lung problems. You should notify your healthcare provider if you experience any symptoms of these side effects.
  4. Tykerb may interact with other medications, including antibiotics, antifungal drugs, and antidepressants. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications you are taking before starting Tykerb.
  5. Tykerb may cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. These symptoms can be managed with medications and dietary changes, so speak with your healthcare provider if you experience these side effects.
  6. Tykerb may harm a developing fetus, and it is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It is also not known if Tykerb passes into breast milk, so breastfeeding is not recommended while taking the medication.
  7. Before starting Tykerb, your healthcare provider will perform several tests to determine if the medication is appropriate for you, including tests to evaluate your liver function, heart function, and overall health.

It is important to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about Tykerb with your healthcare provider before starting the medication. Your healthcare provider can provide more information about the risks and benefits of Tykerb and help you make an informed decision about your treatment options.

How should I take Tykerb?

Tykerb (Lapatinib) should be taken exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Here are some general guidelines for taking Tykerb:

  1. Tykerb is usually taken by mouth, either with or without food, depending on your healthcare provider’s instructions.
  2. The usual recommended dose of Tykerb is 1,250 milligrams (5 tablets of 250 mg) taken once daily.
  3. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets.
  4. Try to take Tykerb at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level of the medication in your bloodstream.
  5. If you miss a dose of Tykerb, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule.
  6. Do not take more than the prescribed dose of Tykerb without consulting your healthcare provider.
  7. Inform your healthcare provider of any side effects you experience while taking Tykerb, such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to help manage these side effects.
  8. Tykerb is often used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs or hormonal therapies. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding other medications you may need to take while on Tykerb.

It is important to follow these guidelines and any additional instructions provided by your healthcare provider for taking Tykerb to ensure the medication is effective and to minimize the risk of side effects.

Dosing information

The recommended dose of Tykerb (Lapatinib) is 1,250 milligrams (mg) taken orally once daily. This dose is typically achieved by taking five 250 mg tablets at the same time every day.

Tykerb should be taken at least one hour before or one hour after a meal. It should be swallowed whole with a glass of water and should not be crushed, chewed, or broken.

Your healthcare provider may adjust the dose of Tykerb based on your individual health status and response to treatment. Dose reductions may be necessary if you experience certain side effects, such as diarrhea, rash, or liver toxicity.

If you miss a dose of Tykerb, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time of your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding the dosing of Tykerb to ensure the medication is effective and to minimize the risk of side effects.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Tykerb (Lapatinib), take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Taking more than the prescribed dose of Tykerb can increase the risk of side effects and may not improve your condition. If you are unsure about what to do if you miss a dose of Tykerb, consult with your healthcare provider.

It is important to try to take Tykerb at the same time every day to maintain a consistent level of the medication in your bloodstream. If you have difficulty remembering to take your medication, you may find it helpful to set a reminder or alarm on your phone or use a pillbox to keep track of your doses.

If you have any concerns or questions about missing a dose of Tykerb, speak with your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on how to manage missed doses and any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

What happens if I overdose?

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

What to avoid

While taking Tykerb (Lapatinib), it is important to avoid certain activities and substances that may interact with the medication or worsen its side effects. Here are some things to avoid while taking Tykerb:

  1. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice: Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interact with Tykerb and increase the level of the medication in your bloodstream, which can increase the risk of side effects.
  2. St. John’s wort: St. John’s wort is an herbal supplement that may reduce the effectiveness of Tykerb. Avoid taking St. John’s wort while taking Tykerb.
  3. Alcohol: Drinking alcohol while taking Tykerb may increase the risk of liver damage and other side effects.
  4. Smoking: Smoking may reduce the effectiveness of Tykerb and increase the risk of lung problems.
  5. Activities that may increase the risk of injury or bleeding: Tykerb may increase the risk of bleeding or bruising. Avoid activities that may increase your risk of injury or bleeding, such as contact sports, using sharp objects, or undergoing dental procedures without consulting your healthcare provider first.
  6. Other medications: Inform your healthcare provider of all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements. Some medications may interact with Tykerb or worsen its side effects.

It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding any precautions or restrictions while taking Tykerb. They can provide more information about what to avoid while taking Tykerb and how to minimize the risk of side effects.

Tykerb side effects

Tykerb (Lapatinib) can cause a range of side effects, some of which may be serious. Common side effects of Tykerb include:

  1. Diarrhea
  2. Nausea
  3. Vomiting
  4. Abdominal pain or discomfort
  5. Rash
  6. Fatigue
  7. Headache
  8. Dry skin
  9. Decreased appetite
  10. Mouth sores or ulcers

In addition to these common side effects, Tykerb can also cause more serious side effects, such as:

  1. Severe diarrhea: Tykerb can cause diarrhea that is severe or persistent. This can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to help manage diarrhea.
  2. Liver problems: Tykerb can cause liver problems, such as increased liver enzyme levels, liver inflammation, or liver failure. Your healthcare provider may monitor your liver function while you are taking Tykerb.
  3. Lung problems: Tykerb can cause lung problems, such as interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis. Symptoms may include cough, shortness of breath, and fever. Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any new or worsening respiratory symptoms while taking Tykerb.
  4. Cardiac problems: Tykerb can cause cardiac problems, such as heart failure, heart rhythm disturbances, and decreased left ventricular ejection fraction. Your healthcare provider may monitor your heart function while you are taking Tykerb.
  5. Eye problems: Tykerb can cause eye problems, such as blurred vision or vision loss. Inform your healthcare provider if you experience any changes in your vision while taking Tykerb.

It is important to inform your healthcare provider of any side effects you experience while taking Tykerb. They can provide guidance on how to manage side effects and may adjust your treatment plan if necessary.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Tykerb?

There are several drugs that can interact with Tykerb (Lapatinib) and potentially affect its effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects. It is important to inform your healthcare provider of all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements. Here are some examples of drugs that may interact with Tykerb:

  1. CYP3A4 inhibitors: Drugs that inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme, such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, and grapefruit juice, can increase the level of Tykerb in your bloodstream and increase the risk of side effects.
  2. CYP3A4 inducers: Drugs that induce the CYP3A4 enzyme, such as rifampin, phenytoin, and St. John’s wort, can decrease the level of Tykerb in your bloodstream and reduce its effectiveness.
  3. Warfarin: Tykerb may increase the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, which can increase the risk of bleeding. Your healthcare provider may monitor your blood clotting time more frequently while you are taking Tykerb.
  4. QT-prolonging drugs: Tykerb can cause QT interval prolongation, which can increase the risk of heart rhythm disturbances. Drugs that also prolong the QT interval, such as certain antiarrhythmic drugs, antipsychotics, and antibiotics, may increase the risk of this side effect.
  5. Anthracyclines: Tykerb may increase the risk of heart problems when used in combination with anthracycline chemotherapy drugs, such as doxorubicin or epirubicin.

It is important to inform your healthcare provider of all medications you are taking and to follow their instructions regarding any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. They can provide more information about drug interactions with Tykerb and how to minimize the risk of side effects.

Can Tykerb cause weight gain?

Weight gain is not a commonly reported side effect of Tykerb (Lapatinib). However, some patients may experience changes in appetite or fluid retention while taking Tykerb, which could potentially lead to weight gain. Additionally, some patients may experience changes in body composition, such as an increase in body fat or a decrease in muscle mass, which could also affect their weight.

It is important to speak with your healthcare provider if you experience any changes in your weight or body composition while taking Tykerb. They can evaluate your symptoms and provide guidance on how to manage any side effects. Additionally, they can help you develop a plan for maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle while undergoing cancer treatment.

What is the best time of day to take Tykerb?

The recommended dosage and timing of Tykerb (Lapatinib) may vary depending on the individual’s medical condition and their treatment plan.

That being said, the usual recommended dose of Tykerb is one tablet of 125 mg, taken orally, once daily. Tykerb can be taken with or without food, but it is recommended to take it at the same time every day.

There is no specific time of day that is considered the best for taking Tykerb, as long as it is taken consistently at the same time every day. Some people prefer to take it in the morning, while others prefer to take it in the evening. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions regarding the timing of Tykerb, and to take it as prescribed to achieve the best treatment outcomes.

If you have any questions or concerns about taking Tykerb, you should speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How long does Tykerb stay in your system?

The elimination half-life of Tykerb (Lapatinib) is approximately 24 hours. This means that it takes about 24 hours for the amount of Tykerb in your body to decrease by half.

However, the duration for which Tykerb stays in your system can vary depending on factors such as your age, kidney and liver function, dosage, frequency of administration, and other medications you may be taking.

In general, it can take several days for Tykerb to be completely eliminated from your body after you stop taking it. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions regarding the duration of Tykerb treatment and to inform them of any medications you are taking, as well as any changes in your medical condition, to help minimize the risk of potential drug interactions or adverse effects.

If you have any concerns about how long Tykerb may stay in your system, you should discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist.

How long do I need to take Tykerb?

The duration of Tykerb (Lapatinib) treatment can vary depending on the individual’s medical condition and their treatment plan. Typically, Tykerb is prescribed as part of a combination therapy with other medications to treat HER2-positive breast cancer.

Your doctor will determine the duration of treatment based on various factors such as the stage of cancer, your overall health, and how you are responding to the treatment. In general, Tykerb treatment can last for several weeks to several months.

It is important to take Tykerb exactly as prescribed by your doctor, for the entire duration of the treatment, even if you start feeling better. Stopping the medication prematurely can lead to a recurrence of cancer or reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.

If you have any concerns or questions about the duration of Tykerb treatment, you should discuss this with your doctor or healthcare provider. They can provide you with personalized information based on your individual medical history and help you make informed decisions regarding your treatment plan.

How does Tykerb work?

Tykerb (Lapatinib) is a medication used to treat HER2-positive breast cancer. It works by targeting and blocking the activity of two proteins known as HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) and EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), which are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells.

HER2 is overexpressed in approximately 20-25% of breast cancer cases and is associated with more aggressive and faster-growing tumors. Tykerb blocks the HER2 receptor, which slows down the growth of cancer cells and can help shrink tumors.

EGFR is also a receptor involved in the growth and division of cells. In some cases, EGFR can work together with HER2 to promote the growth of cancer cells. Tykerb can also block the activity of EGFR, which further slows down the growth of cancer cells.

Tykerb is taken orally and is usually prescribed in combination with other medications such as chemotherapy or hormonal therapy. By targeting both HER2 and EGFR receptors, Tykerb can help improve the effectiveness of other cancer treatments and may also reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.

It is important to note that Tykerb is only effective against HER2-positive breast cancer and is not used to treat other types of breast cancer. Your doctor can determine if Tykerb is an appropriate treatment option for you based on your individual medical history and cancer diagnosis.

Is Tykerb a chemotherapy drug?

Tykerb (Lapatinib) is not a traditional chemotherapy drug, but it is often used in combination with chemotherapy to treat HER2-positive breast cancer.

Chemotherapy drugs work by killing rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells. They are often given intravenously and can have side effects such as nausea, hair loss, and fatigue.

On the other hand, Tykerb is a targeted therapy that works by blocking the activity of certain proteins involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. It is taken orally as a pill and can have side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and rash.

While Tykerb is not considered a chemotherapy drug, it is often used in combination with chemotherapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for HER2-positive breast cancer. The combination of Tykerb and chemotherapy has been shown to be more effective than chemotherapy alone in treating HER2-positive breast cancer.

Your doctor can provide more information about the use of Tykerb and chemotherapy in the treatment of breast cancer and help you determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on your individual medical history and cancer diagnosis.