Generic Name: lapatanib
Drug Class: Targeted Therapy Medications
Company: Novartis
Approval Status: Approved
Generic Version Available: No
Drug Indication
Tykerb is a kinase inhibitor approved in combination with chemotherapy for previously treated patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. It is also approved in combination with hormone therapy for postmenopausal women with both HER2-positive and hormone receptor-positive metastatic cancer.
General Info
About 20% of breast cancers have a high level of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), which plays a role in cell division and repair. Perjeta is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks both HER2 and epidermal growth factor receptor, which plays a role in blood vessel development. It was first approved in 2007.
Dosage
Dosing Info: Tykerb is taken as a tablet once daily on an empty stomach in combination with oral capecitabine chemotherapy or Femara hormone therapy.
Side Effects
Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, skin rash and fatigue. It can cause hand-foot syndrome (palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia), with redness, swelling and pain on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Potential serious side effects may include heart, lung and liver problems, severe diarrhea and severe skin reactions. Tykerb should not be used during pregnancy.
For More Info: https://www.us.tykerb.com
Patient Assistance Program Info: https://www.us.tykerb.com/her2-positive-metastatic-breast-cancer/patient-support/financial-resources
Last Reviewed: December 13, 2018
