lorlatinib

Drug Class:	Commonly Known As:	Category:
Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor	Lorviqua®	Cancer-related

lorlatinib - What is it for

Lorlatinib is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Your doctor will check for an alteration in your genes before starting you on this.

lorlatinib - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can lorlatinib cause?

Increased cholesterol and lipid levels
Swelling of hands, feet or lower legs

Lift up your feet when sitting down

Numbness and tingling feeling in the joints, arms or legs
Joint or muscle aches
Changes in mood and thinking
Feeling tired and lack of energy

Do not drive or operate machinery when you feel tired

Weight gain
Diarrhea

Drink plenty of clear fluids to replace those lost (two litres everyday)

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Sudden onset of cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, with fever
Dark urine or light coloured stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellowing of your eyes or skin
Low mood feeling that does not go away
Seizures
Unusual giddiness or light-headedness
Slow or abnormal heartbeat
Symptoms of a drug allergy including one or more of the following:

Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
Difficulty in breathing
Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

Before taking lorlatinib , what precautions must I follow?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

You are allergic to this medication
You or your partner becomes pregnant or is planning for pregnancy. You should use effective birth control during and for at least:

Six months after stopping treatment (for women)
Three months after stopping treatment (for men)

You are breastfeeding

Do not breastfeed during and for at least seven days after stopping treatment.

You have any other medical conditions such as high cholesterol or heart problems
You are taking or intend to take any other medication, supplements, traditional medications or herbal remedies

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take lorlatinib ?

Avoid taking grapefruit or grapefruit juice when you are taking this medication as it may interact with your medication and increase the risk of side-effects.

lorlatinib - Dosage and How to Use

How should lorlatinib be used?

Take Lorlatinib once a day
You may take it with or without food
Do not break or crush the tablet. Swallow the tablet whole.

Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have difficulty swallowing.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember if there is at least four hours before your next dose. If not, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses at the same time.