Tykerb Side Effects

Generic name: lapatinib

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 17, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Tykerb Side Effects associated with lapatinib. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Tykerb.

Applies to lapatinib: oral tablet.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. It may also cause birth defects if the father is using it when his sexual partner becomes pregnant. Female patients should use effective birth control during treatment with this medicine and for 1 week after the last dose. Male patients who have female partners should use effective birth control during treatment with this medicine and for 1 week after the last dose. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.

Serious heart problems can occur with this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you are having a fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat, troubled breathing, or unusual tiredness or weakness.

Check with your doctor right away if you have pain or tenderness in the upper stomach, pale stools, dark urine, a loss of appetite, nausea, unusual tiredness or weakness, or yellow eyes or skin. These could be symptoms of a serious liver problem.

Check with your doctor right away if diarrhea occurs while you are using this medicine. You may need medicines to help manage or prevent the diarrhea.

This medicine may cause swelling of the lungs (pneumonitis) or interstitial lung disease. These are life-threatening conditions and require immediate medical attention. The symptoms may be similar to the symptoms from lung cancer. Check with your doctor right away if you have new or worsening cough, fever, or trouble breathing.

Contact your doctor right away if you have any changes to your heart rhythm. You might feel dizzy or faint, or you might have a fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat. Make sure your doctor knows if you or anyone in your family has ever had a heart rhythm problem such as QT prolongation.

Serious skin reactions can occur with this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you have blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, red skin lesions, severe acne or skin rash, sores or ulcers on the skin, or fever or chills while you are using this medicine.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal (eg, St. John's wort) or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects of Tykerb

Along with its needed effects, lapatinib (the active ingredient contained in Tykerb) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking lapatinib:

Other side effects of Tykerb

Some side effects of lapatinib may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to lapatinib: oral tablet.

Gastrointestinal adverse events

• Very common (10% or more): Diarrhea (77%), nausea (44%), vomiting (26%), stomatitis (14%), dyspepsia (11%), constipation, abdominal pain^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Neutropenia (77%), hemoglobin lab abnormality (56%), leukopenia (53%), anemia (23%), neutrophils lab abnormality (22%), platelets lab abnormality (18%), decreased hemoglobin (10%)^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Rash (including dermatitis acneiform, 59%), Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (53%), alopecia (13%), dry skin (13%), pruritus (12%), nail disorders (including paronychia, 11%)
• Frequency not reported: Serious cutaneous reactions^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Very common (10% or more): AST lab abnormality (53%), ALT lab abnormality (46%), total bilirubin lab abnormality (45%), increased ALT (11%), hyperbilirubinemia
• Common (1% to 10%): Hepatotoxicity^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Decreased appetite (32%), anorexia (11%)^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Fatigue (22%), mucosal inflammation (15%), asthenia^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Myalgia (14%), pain in extremity (12%), back pain (11%), arthralgia^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Dyspnea (12%), cough (10%), epistaxis
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Very common (10% or more): Insomnia (10%)^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Hot flush
• Common (1% to 10%): Decreased left ventricular ejection fraction^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Peripheral neuropathy
• Common (1% to 10%): Headache^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylaxis)^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• How does Tykerb work?
• How long can you take Tykerb?
• Does Tykerb have a good response?

Further information

Tykerb side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer