Lorbrena (Lorlatinib)

Lorbrena (Lorlatinib) is a prescription medication used to treat people with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that is caused by abnormal anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene and that has spread to other parts of your body and in patients who have taken alectinib or certinib or who have taken both the medications crizotinib and at least one other medication to treat NSCLC that is caused by ALK gene and their NSCLC is no longer responding to these treatments. Lorlatinib belongs to the class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.

Manufacturer Information

The most common side effects of Lorbrena may include:

• Changes in mood, feeling sad or anxious or confused;
• Diarrhea;
• Difficulty breathing or thinking;
• Fatigue;
• Numbness and tingling feeling in your joints or arms and legs;
• Pain in your joints;
• Swelling in your arms, legs, hands and feet;
• Weight gain

Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects including:

• Brain function problems;
• Heart and lung problems;
• Increase in the cholesterol and triglyceride levels in your blood

You should not take Lorbrena if you are allergic to Lorlatinib or if you have taken certain medications called strong CYP3A inducers. Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history especially if you:

• Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant;
• Have had episodes of depression or seizures;
• Have high levels of cholesterol or triglycerides in your blood;
• Have problems with your heartbeat;
• Have lung or breathing problems

Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Women should use effective non-hormonal birth control during treatment with Lorbrena and for at least six months after the final dose. Men who have female partners who can become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment and for at least three months after the final dose. Do not breastfeed during treatment with Lorbrena and for 7 days after the final dose. Lorbrena may cause decreased fertility in men which could affect their ability to father a child. This medication may you dizzy or cause vision changes. Alcohol and marijuana can make you dizzier. You should not drive, use machinery or do any activity that requires you to be alert until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Lorlatinib and other medications. It is unknown if Lorbrena is safe and effective in children.

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