I have just been put on lapatinib due to growth in the mets in my spine. I am on herceptin, tamoxifen and a bone strengthening drug but unfortunately it is still growing.
Has anyone had any experience taking this drug? I am finding it very tough with the diarrhoea, sickness and general lack of appetite. I am going to discuss things with my team next week but would love to hear from anyone else who is taking this drug and how you are getting on plus any tips to manage the side effects better!!! This drug doesnt seem to be mentioned barely at all on this forum and not sure why?? Could do with some input thanks!
Getting married in a couple of weeks so at least I will fit in my wedding dress xxx
I’m on lapatinib. I started on it with Xeloda chemo last Sept, I finished the chemo on Feb and I’m now on lapatinib and Zometa. I did get bad diarrhea when I was on Xeloda/ lapatinib and Xeloda had to be reduced. I feel a bit sickly about an hour after getting the lapatinib so I now take it last thing a night. After finishing the chemo most of the diarrhoea has subsided for me.
I think they have to apply for lapatinib from the drugs fund so not many people are on it.
I was on a lapatanib-but only for 3 cycles, as it didn’t work for me. But in that time I suffered from similair side effects-so I imagine that they may continue for the duration-although they will hopefully get less difficult, or you will find a way of coping. Sue’s last sentence is spot on-it still needs to be applied for on an individual baasis, which is why you won’t find many people having had it.
I’m on a trial called cerebal
it involves lapatinib 5 once a day, every day
& capecitabine 3 tablets twice a day.
i do 2 weeks on then a week off the capecitabine,
i do not get a break with the lapatinib.
To be honest i have been very lucky so far,not much in the way of side effects.
i am on my week off of cycle 2
I was also told that diarrhea would be a major side effect,
but it seems to have the opposite effect on me!
my hair has thinned & seems very dry, so i have started the give it
a intensive treatment every couple of weeks,
its upset me a little even though my onc told me it would happen,
although that is more likely to be the capecitabine.
i do get stomach cramps,that i use my hot water bottle to help!
& feel nauseous but i have never been sick.
i hope you manage to get things under control for your wedding day x
Thanks for all your helpful responses. It is good to get some input from others in a similar situation. I am starting to feel better now although I have been on the white bread and imodium!!
Now just got to see if the drug can stop things growing
xxx