Why is this medication prescribed?  

Lapatinib is used with capecitabine (Xeloda) to treat a certain type of advanced breast cancer in people who have already been treated with other chemotherapy medications. Lapatinib is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of the abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps stop or slow the spread of cancer cells.

How should this medicine be used?  

Lapatinib comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It taken once a day, at least 1 hour before or 1 hour after a meal. Take all of the tablets for your daily dose at this time each day. Lapatinib is usually taken once a day for 21 days before beginning the next treatment cycle. Take lapatinib at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take lapatinib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Capecitabine is taken in combination with lapatinib, but on a different schedule. Be sure that you understand how and when to take capecitabine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist if you have any questions about taking capecitabine.

Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.

Your doctor may gradually increase or decrease your dose of lapatinib during your treatment. This depends on how well the medication works for you and any side effects you may experience. Continue to take lapatinib even if you feel well. Do not stop taking lapatinib without talking to your doctor.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

Other uses for this medicine  

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?  

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose  

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• diarrhea
• vomiting

What other information should I know?  

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to lapatinib.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

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