Everything You Need to Know about Lonsurf Prescribing Information
Lonsurf is a medication that is widely used to treat patients suffering from colorectal cancer. It is a combination of trifluridine and tipiracil, which are two active ingredients that work together to slow down cancer growth. However, before prescribing Lonsurf to a patient, it is important to understand its prescribing information. Here’s everything you need to know about Lonsurf prescribing information.
What is Lonsurf?
Lonsurf is a chemotherapy medication that is used to treat patients with colorectal cancer who have already undergone treatment and who have not responded to other therapies. It is specifically designed for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, which means that the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
How does Lonsurf work?
Lonsurf works by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. It is a combination of trifluridine and tipiracil. Trifluridine is an antineoplastic agent that inhibits the synthesis of DNA in tumor cells. Tipiracil is a thymidine phosphorylase inhibitor that increases the concentration of trifluridine in the body, leading to an increase in its antitumor effects.
What are the dosage and administration instructions for Lonsurf?
The recommended dosage of Lonsurf is based on the patient’s body surface area, which is calculated using height and weight measurements. The usual dosage is 35 mg/m2 of Lonsurf, taken orally twice a day on days one through five and eight through twelve of each 28-day treatment cycle. The medication should be taken within one hour after eating food.
What are the possible side effects of Lonsurf?
Some of the common side effects of Lonsurf include fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. Patients might also experience hair loss and changes in blood count. These side effects are usually mild to moderate and tend to improve over time.
Precautions to be taken while using Lonsurf
Lonsurf can cause serious side effects, so it is important to take certain precautions. Patients should not take Lonsurf if they have a history of severe hypersensitivity to trifluridine, tipiracil, or any of the components of Lonsurf. They should also inform their healthcare provider if they have liver or kidney problems, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
Conclusion
Lonsurf can be a life-saving medication for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Before prescribing Lonsurf to a patient, it is important to understand its prescribing information, which includes dosage and administration instructions, possible side effects, and precautions to be taken. By following these guidelines, healthcare providers can ensure the safe and effective use of Lonsurf.
