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Trifluridine/tipiracil (By mouth)

Tipiracil (tye-PIR-a-sil), Trifluridine (trye-FLURE-i-deen)

Treats cancer of the stomach, colon, or rectum.

Brand Name(s):

Lonsurf

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to trifluridine or tipiracil, or if you are pregnant.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
  • Wear gloves when handling this medicine. Wash your hands after handling the tablets.
  • Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
  • It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
  • Missed dose: If you miss a dose or vomit after taking a dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. If you do not store the tablets in the original bottle, throw away any unused tablets after 30 days.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • This medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. If you are a woman who can get pregnant, your doctor may do tests to make sure you are not pregnant before starting this medicine. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for at least 6 months after the last dose. Male patients with female partners should use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose.
  • Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine and for 1 day after your last dose.
  • Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or liver disease.
  • Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
  • This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
  • Blurred vision, severe headache, slow or fast heartbeat, lightheadedness, dizziness
  • Confusion, weakness, muscle twitching
  • Diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting
  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
  • Tiny red dots on the skin, especially on the lower legs
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Decreased appetite, change in the way food tastes
  • Hair loss
  • Tiredness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 12/4/2023

 

 
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