Tykerb

Tykerb is commonly prescribed for treating breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body in people who have not responded well to other medications. The drug helps to slow down the growth of cancer cells by binding to receptors inside them. Unlike other cancer medications, Tykerb comes in tablet form. Potential side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and insomnia.

 

What Is Tykerb?

Tykerb® (lapatinib) is a prescription medication used to treat breast cancer. It is used in combination with Xeloda® (capecitabine), a chemotherapy medication. Unlike many cancer medications, both Tykerb and Xeloda 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 that has not responded to other treatments.
 
(Click Tykerb Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Tykerb?

Tykerb is made by GlaxoSmithKline.
 

How Does Tykerb Work?

Tykerb belongs to a group of medications called tyrosine kinase inhibitors. It works inside of cancer cells. Tykerb binds to the inside of two types of receptors: epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and human epidermal receptor type 2 (HER2). These two receptors are important for the growth of breast cancer and cells, and Tykerb (when used in combination with Xeloda) helps to slow down the growth of cancer cells.
 

Effects of Tykerb

In one study, Tykerb was added to Xeloda for treating breast cancer that had spread to other parts of the body. The people in this study had already tried other types of chemotherapy medications unsuccessfully. Those who took the combination of Tykerb plus Xeloda had a longer time before their cancer became worse (27.1 weeks on average, compared to 18.6 weeks for those taking just Xeloda).
 

When and How to Take Tykerb

General considerations for when and how to take Tykerb include the following:
 
  • The medication comes in tablet form and is taken by mouth once daily.
     
  • It should be taken at least an hour before or one hour after a meal.
     
  • Tykerb should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Tykerb will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Dosing Information for Tykerb

The dose of Tykerb that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Other medications you may be taking
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your Tykerb dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Tykerb Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Tykerb

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Tykerb. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. 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 Tykerb include but are not limited to:
 

Drug Interactions With Tykerb

Tykerb can potentially interact with a few other medicines (see Tykerb Drug Interactions).
 

Tykerb: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Tykerb if you have:
 
  • An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia), especially long QT syndrome
  • Low blood potassium (hypokalemia) or magnesium (hypomagnesemia)
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Liver disease, including liver failure or cirrhosis
  • Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
  • Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
  • Breastfeeding.
     
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Tykerb Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose of Tykerb?

People who take too much Tykerb may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
(Click Tykerb Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should Tykerb Be Stored?

Tykerb should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Store the tablets in an airtight container.
 
Keep Tykerb and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Tykerb?

If you do not take your Tykerb as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
 

Strengths of Tykerb

Tykerb tablets are available in one strength -- Tykerb 250 mg.
 

Is There a Generic Version of Tykerb?

Currently, there is no generic Tykerb licensed for sale (see Generic Tykerb).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;