Larotrectinib is used to treat cancer. It works by
slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start taking larotrectinib and each time you get
a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually twice daily. Swallow the capsules whole
with water. Do not crush or chew the capsules.
If you are using the liquid form of this medication,
carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not
use a household spoon because you may not get the correct
dose.
The dosage is based on your body size, medical
condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking.
Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use
(including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal
products).
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each
day.
Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often
or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster,
and your risk of serious side effects will increase.
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice
while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may
do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this
medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
If you vomit after taking a dose, do not take an extra
dose. Take your next dose at the regular time.
Tiredness, dizziness, cough, constipation, swelling
ankles/feet/hands, nausea, or vomiting may occur. Nausea and vomiting can
be severe. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent
or relieve nausea and vomiting. Eating several small meals, not eating
before treatment, or limiting activity may help lessen some of these
effects. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- signs of liver problems (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't
stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark
urine)
- numbness/tingling of arms/legs
- mental/mood changes (such as confusion, depression, anxiety,
memory loss)
- trouble sleeping
- trouble speaking
- difficult/unsteady walking
- bone pain
- easily broken bones
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking larotrectinib, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using larotrectinib.
Larotrectinib may harm an unborn baby. Men and women using this medication
should ask about reliable forms of birth control during treatment and for 1
week after the last dose. If you or your partner becomes pregnant, talk to
your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this
medication.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this medication and for 1 week after the last dose.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
See also How to Use section.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
A product that may interact with this drug
is:
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as liver function) should
be done before your start taking this medication and while you are taking
it. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more
details.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is within 6 hours of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store the capsules at room temperature away from light
and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Store the liquid form of this
medication in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Once the liquid bottle is
opened, the medication expires after 31 or 90 days (depending on your
product). Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.