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Lonsurf® (Trifluridine/Tipiracil)

Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
Antineoplastic Thymidine-based Nucleoside Analog + Thymidine Phosphorylase Inhibitor Lonsurf®

Lonsurf® (Trifluridine/Tipiracil) - What is it for

​Lonsurf® (trifluridine/tipiracil) is used to treat colorectal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. It is normally used in patients who have either tried or cannot use other medications for their cancer.

Lonsurf® (Trifluridine/Tipiracil) - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Lonsurf® (Trifluridine/Tipiracil) cause?

Common side effects include:

  • ​Nausea and vomiting
    • Take small, frequent meals throughout the day.
    • Take the medications for nausea or vomiting as instructed by your doctor if any.
  • Diarrhea
    • Drink plenty of clear fluids to replace those lost (2 litres everyday).
    • Avoid oily or spicy food and milk or dairy products.
  • Slight ache or tenderness around the stomach area
    • Avoid food that causes bloating or gas production in the stomach.
  • Feeling tired and lack of energy
    • Do not drive or operate machinery when you feel tired.
  • Decreased white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets
    • This may put you at higher risk of infections, bleeding or bruising and feeling tired.
    • To reduce your risk of infection:
      • Avoid crowds and people who are sick. Wear a face mask when you are going out.
      • Wash your hands after using the toilet and before handling food.
      • Eat food that is fresh and completely cooked, and avoid raw or half-cooked food.
    • To reduce your risk of bleeding problems:
      • Be careful when using sharp objects such as knives.
      • Try not to bruise, cut or knock yourself.
      • Brush your teeth gently as your gums may bleed more easily.
      • Apply direct pressure to any cuts or wounds to help stop bleeding.

If any of these side effects are very bad, see your healthcare professional immediately.

Rare but serious side effects include:

  • Signs of infection - fever of 38° C and above, chills, cough, body aches
  • Unhealthy pale skin colour, light-headedness, increasing tiredness or weakness
  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, black sticky stools or blood in urine

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

  • Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately

Before taking Lonsurf® (Trifluridine/Tipiracil) , what precautions must I follow?

​Inform your healthcare professional if:

  • You are allergic to this medication
  • You or your partner becomes pregnant or is planning for pregnancy
    • You should use effective birth control during and for 6 months after stopping treatment.
  • You are breastfeeding
    • Do not breastfeed during and for 1 day after the last dose of treatment.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Lonsurf® (Trifluridine/Tipiracil) ?

​Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking or intend to take any other medication, supplements, traditional medications or herbal remedies.

Lonsurf® (Trifluridine/Tipiracil) - Dosage and How to Use

How should Lonsurf® (Trifluridine/Tipiracil) be used?

  • ​Take Lonsurf® two times a day from Day 1 to 5 and Day 8 to 12 of a 28 day-cycle.
  • Take it within 1 hour after a meal.
  • Do not break, chew or crush the tablet. Swallow the tablet whole.
    • Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have difficulty swallowing.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

​If you forget to take a dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take additional doses to make up for the missed dose.

What should I do if I overdose?

Lonsurf® (Trifluridine/Tipiracil) - Handling

How should I handle Lonsurf® (Trifluridine/Tipiracil) safely?

Lonsurf® (Trifluridine/Tipiracil) - Storage

How should I store Lonsurf® (Trifluridine/Tipiracil) ?

;#Keep away from children;#Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight;#

How should I dispose of Lonsurf® (Trifluridine/Tipiracil) safely?

​Pack Lonsurf® into a bag and bring it back to the pharmacy where you received it from.

Lonsurf® (Trifluridine/Tipiracil) - Additional Information

​You may refer to the following website if you need more information: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/

  • Updated on 9/30/2019 12:00:00 AM
  • Article contributed by PSS National Medication Information Workgroup PSS National Medication Information Workgroup
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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