Lonsurf

Lonsurf is used to treat cancer of colon and rectum which has spread to different other parts of the body (metastasized). It is used in patients who have already been treated with other cancer medication. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.

It is available in the form of a tablet and only with your doctor’s prescription.

If you are about to start Lonsurf, speak with your doctor about what you need to know.

Before starting the treatment your doctor should be informed about conditions such as:

Allergy: Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any food, preservatives, dyes, or had an allergic reaction when you used this drug before.

Children: There are no adequate studies which prove Trifluridine and Tipiracil have harmful effects on children. Use it after consulting your doctor.

Elderly: This medicine does not cause any different side effects or problem than it does in younger adults.

Pregnancy: It is a category X drug. Do not use it in pregnancy as it can cause abnormalities in an unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control pill. If you suspect that you are pregnant while using Trifluridine and Tipiracil, inform your doctor right away.

Breast Feeding: There are no adequate studies which show that trifluridine and tipiracil passes into breast milk. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breastfeeding a baby.

Drug Interactions: Trifluridine and Tipiracil may interact with other drugs. Your doctor should be informed of any other medicines which you are taking. He may want to change the dosage or drug.

Several other conditions may reduce its effectiveness.

Make sure you inform your doctor of conditions such as:

• Kidney disease, moderate: Use with caution. The effects may be increased because of slower removal of the medicine from the body.

To use Lonsurf properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor.

Use it exactly as directed by your doctor. It comes with an instruction. Read and understand it carefully. Make sure you understand all the potential risks and benefits before using it.

It should be taken within an hour of morning and evening meals. You and your caregiver should wear gloves when handling this medication. Wash your hands after handling the tablets.

Dosage: It is different for different patients. Dosage mentioned below is an average dose. You must follow your doctor’s command.

Adults: At first, 35 milligrams (mg) per square meter of body size two times a day. It has a cycle of 28 days. It should be taken on days 1 to 5 and days 8 to 12 of every 28 days cycle. The dose is usually not more than 80 mg two times a day.

Missed dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. If it almost a time for your next dose skips the missed dose and continue your daily schedule. Do not double the dose.

Storage:Store it at room temperature. Keep it away from children

Before using Lonsurf, there are some precautions you must take.

Your doctor should check your daily progress at regular visits. Use an effective form of birth control methods as Trifluridine and Tipiracil can harm an unborn baby.

The male should use condoms during sexual intercourse while using this drug and also after 3 months of its use.

It is a bone marrow suppressant. It temporarily reduces your white blood cells and platelets, and so making you susceptible to infections and bleeding. While using this drug you should avoid people with the infection.

Inform your doctor immediately if you notice fever, chills, cough, lower back or side pain, bruising, bleeding, black tarry stools, blood in urine or stools.

Be careful when using a regular toothbrush, dental floss, or toothpick. Be careful not to cut yourself when you are using sharp objects such as a safety razor or fingernail or toenail cutters.

Make sure you meet with your doctor in using Lonsurf to avoid unwanted potential side effects.

All medicines have some side effects. Some people may experience none or minor side effects.

Consult with your doctor if they become problematic or frequent:

More common are:

• Black, tarry stools, blood in the urine or stools
• Bleeding gums
• A cough or hoarseness
• Fever or chills
• Lower back or side pain
• Painful or difficult urination
• Pale skin
• Pinpoint red spots on the skin
• Sore throat
• Troubled breathing with exertion
• Ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common are:

• Bladder pain
• Bloody or cloudy urine
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Stuffy or a runny nose

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.