Cancer Channel
Topics
Medications
Quicklinks
Related Channels
Lapatinib
Lapatinib is a medication that is used for treating HER2-positive breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. It is specifically prescribed for people who have not responded to other treatments. The tablets, which are used in combination with another chemotherapy medicine, are generally taken once daily. Side effects may include vomiting, rash, and diarrhea.
Lapatinib (Tykerb®) is a prescription medication used to treat breast cancer. It is used in combination with capecitabine (Xeloda®), a chemotherapy medication. Unlike many cancer medications, both lapatinib and capecitabine are taken by mouth, not by IV (intravenously). It is used to treat a certain type of breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body and has not responded to other treatments.
(Click What Is Lapatinib Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with lapatinib. However, not everyone who takes the drug will have problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of lapatinib, include but are not limited to:
- Diarrhea
- Anemia
- Hand-and-foot syndrome (redness and tenderness of the palms and soles)
- Nausea
- Rash
- Vomiting
- Insomnia (see Tykerb and Insomnia).
(Click Side Effects of Lapatinib for more information.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD