This medication is used to treat lung cancer.
Lurbinectedin belongs to a class of drugs known as alkylating agents. It
works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using lurbinectedin and before each
treatment. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
This medication is given by injection into a vein as
directed by your doctor, usually every 21 days. The injection is given by a
health care professional, usually over 60 minutes.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, body
size, response to treatment, lab tests, 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).
Your doctor may prescribe medications (such as
dexamethasone, ondansetron) before each dose to help prevent side effects
such as nausea/vomiting. Carefully follow your doctor's directions for all
your medications.
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice
while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may
do so safely. Also avoid eating Seville oranges (often found in marmalade).
Grapefruit and Seville oranges can increase the chance of side effects with
this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more
details.
To get the most benefit, do not miss any doses. To help
you remember, mark your calendar with a reminder.
Tiredness, joint pain, constipation or diarrhea,
abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite 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.
People using this medication may have serious side
effects. However, you have been prescribed this drug because your doctor
has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side
effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your
risk.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- pain/redness/swelling at injection site
- easy bruising/bleeding
- numbness/tingling/pain in the arms or legs
- pale skin
- muscle pain/tenderness/weakness
- signs of liver problems (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't
stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark
urine)
This medication may lower your ability to fight
infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal)
infection or make any infection you have worse. Tell your doctor right away
if you have any signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go
away, fever, chills, cough).
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 receiving lurbinectedin, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain other 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:
- recent/current infections
- kidney problems
- liver problems
Lurbinectedin can make you more likely to get infections
or may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who has an
infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles,
flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for
more details.
Tell your health care professional that you are using
lurbinectedin before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact
with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine
inhaled through the nose).
To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured,
use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid
activities such as contact sports.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be at greater risk for low blood cell
counts while using this drug.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using lurbinectedin.
Lurbinectedin may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor should order a pregnancy
test before you start this medication. Women using this medication should
ask about reliable forms of birth control during treatment and for at least
6 months after the last dose. Men using this medication should ask about
reliable forms of birth control during treatment and for at least 4 months
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 drug passes into breast milk.
Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this drug and for at least 2 weeks 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.
Other medications can affect the removal of
lurbinectedin from your body, which may affect how lurbinectedin works.
Examples include azole antifungals (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole),
macrolide antibiotics (such as clarithromycin), rifamycins (such as
rifabutin, rifampin), ritonavir, St. John's wort, some drugs used to treat
seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, primidone), among
others.
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.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count,
kidney/liver function, blood sugar, sodium/magnesium blood levels, CPK
levels) should be done before you start using this medication and while you
are using it. Keep all medical and lab appointments.
It is important to get each dose of this medication as
scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for
a new dosing schedule.
Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital
or clinic and will not be stored at home.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical
emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call
1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).