LORLATINIB
Background and Date of Approval
Lorlatinib is a targeted cancer medication approved for medical use on 2 November 2018.
Uses
Lorlatinib Tablet has been developed to treat adults with Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that resulted due to mutation in Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase and ROS-1 genes and has spread to other parts of the body.
How is it administered?
Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of Lorlatinib based on the disease condition and other factors. Take the tablet at the same time everyday, with or without food. Do not chew, crush, or break the tablet. Swallow the whole tablet with water. If you forgot to take the tablet, simply take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
Side Effects
The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Lorlatinib Tablet are swelling of arms, legs, hands and feet, numbness and tingling, weight gain, forgetfulness, confusion, tiredness, breathing difficulty, joint pain, diarrhoea, depression, irritability, high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, cough. If you experience any adverse reactions such as breathlessness, hallucination or suicidal thoughts, report to your doctor immediately
Warnings
Tell your Healthcare provider before starting this treatment if you have kidney problem, breathing trouble, seizures, depression, diabetes, heart problems or high blood pressure. During the Lorlatinib Tablet treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your blood pressure, blood sugar, liver, cholesterol and kidney parameters to prevent serious complications. Report to your doctor if you have had a history of heart failure, depressive episodes or seizures. Get immediate medical attention if you are feeling very thirsty, sick, weak or tired.
Precautions
Lorlatinib Tablet may decrease fertility in males which could affect your ability to father a child. Male patients with female sexual partners should use an effective contraceptive during this treatment and continue for at least three months after the last dose of Lorlatinib. It is recommended for female patients to do a pregnancy test before beginning this treatment as Lorlatinib is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Discuss effective non hormonal contraceptive methods with your health care provider and use them during this treatment and continue for at least six months after the last dose.
Word of Advice
Lorlatinib tablets may cause breathing difficulty and impaired cognitive function. Avoid driving or operating machinery during treatment. Inform your healthcare provider of all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements before commencing this treatment.
References
Pfizer Ltd, [Revised on Mar 2021] [Accessed on 1st April 2023], https://labeling.pfizer.com/ShowLabeling.aspx?id=11140&Section=PPI Pfizer Ltd, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [Revised on March 2021] [Accessed on 1st April 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.10632.pdf Pfizer, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on March 2021] [Accessed on 1st April 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/210868s004lbl.pdf Alice T Shaw et al; First-Line Lorlatinib or Crizotinib in Advanced ALK-Positive Lung Cancer; The New England Journal of Medicine; Published on 19/11/2020;[Accessed on 1st April 2023]; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33207094/ Haidar El Darsa, Omar Abdel-Rahman & Randeep Sangha (2020) Pharmacological and clinical properties of lorlatinib in the treatment of ALK-rearranged advanced non-small cell lung cancer, Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, 21:13, 1547-1554,[Accessed on 1st April 2023], https://doi.org/10.1080/14656566.2020.1774552 Gafer H, de Waard Q, Compter A, van den Heuvel M. Rapid regression of neurological symptoms in patients with metastasis ALK+ lung cancer who are treated with lorlatinib: a report of two cases. BMJ Case Rep. 2019 Jul 24;12(7):e227299,[Accessed on 1st April 2023], https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6663151/pdf/bcr-2018-227299.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink alcohol while taking Lorlatinib?
It is generally recommended to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Lorlatinib, as alcohol can increase the risk of liver damage.
What should you know before taking Lorlatinib tablets?
Lorlatinib tablets can alter cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, slow down heart rate, increase your blood pressure and glucose levels. Hence, your health care provider will monitor your symptoms and blood parameters before and during this treatment.
Is it safe for women of reproductive age to use Lorlatinib Tablet?
While for women with reproductive potential subjected to Lorlatinib Tablet, it is advisable to discuss with your doctor the effective birth control methods (non-hormonal) during the treatment. Also, it is essential to continue birth control treatment for a minimum of 6 months after the last dose, as this medicine may impair fertility.
What should you do if you miss a dose of Lorlatinib Tablet?
If you miss a dose of Lorlatinib Tablet, take it as soon as you remember. However, if your next dose is due within 4 hours, skip this dose and take your next dose at your regular time. Do not take 2 doses to make up for your missed dose.
What are the side effects of Lorlatinib Tablet?
The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Lorlatinib Tablet are Swelling of arms, legs, hands and feet, numbness and tingling, weight gain, forgetfulness, confusion, tiredness, breathing difficulty, joint pain, diarrhoea, depression, irritability, high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, cough.
When should you contact your physician?
Reach out to your physician right away if you experience problems with thinking like forgetfulness or confusion, seeing or hearing things that are not real, depression, suicidal thoughts, seizures, changes in speech or sleep pattern.