Tipiracil+trifluridine
About Tipiracil+trifluridine
Tipiracil+trifluridine is a prescription anticancer medicine used to treat adults with advanced colorectal cancer or advanced gastric (stomach) or gastro-oesophageal junction cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. It contains trifluridine and tipiracil and is marketed under brand names such as Lonsurf in many countries, including India. It is usually prescribed when previous cancer treatments are no longer effective or are no longer suitable. This medicine helps slow the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Tipiracil+trifluridine is taken in treatment cycles, usually twice a day on specific treatment days followed by a planned rest period. Take each dose within 1 hour after finishing your morning and evening meals, exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Staying well hydrated, eating small, frequent meals, and getting adequate rest may help you cope with treatment-related side effects such as fatigue or nausea.
While taking this medicine, your doctor will monitor your blood counts regularly because it can reduce the number of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Common side effects include nausea, tiredness, diarrhoea, and reduced appetite. Contact your healthcare team immediately if you develop a fever of 38°C or higher, chills, severe vomiting, severe diarrhoea, unusual bruising or bleeding, or any signs of infection.
Before starting treatment, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or any other long-term medical condition. Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to trifluridine, tipiracil, or any of the other ingredients in this medicine. Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant because it can seriously harm an unborn baby. Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment or for 1 day after the final dose.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the medicines, vitamins, herbal products, and supplements you are taking before starting treatment. Some medicines may affect how this medicine works or increase the risk of side effects. Women who can become pregnant should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 6 months after the final dose. Men with female partners who can become pregnant should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 3 months after the final dose. Older adults may require closer monitoring during treatment.
Uses of Tipiracil+trifluridine
Medicinal Benefits
When used as directed as part of your treatment plan, Tipiracil+trifluridine may provide the following benefits:
- Delaying cancer progression: Tipiracil+trifluridine helps to extend the time during which the cancer does not grow or spread, providing more stable periods of health.
- Convenient oral administration: Because this medicine comes in tablet form, patients can take their chemotherapy treatment at home rather than requiring continuous intravenous infusions at a clinic.
- Managing advanced disease: It offers an active treatment option for patients who have already completed other standard chemotherapy lines, helping to manage symptoms of advanced cancer.
Directions for Use
- Tipiracil+trifluridine can be taken with or without, as advised by your doctor.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
- Swallow Tipiracil+trifluridine as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, break or chew Tipiracil+trifluridine.
Storage
Side Effects of Tipiracil+trifluridine
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Nausea and loss of appetite
- Feeling unusually tired or weak
- Mild diarrhoea or stomach pain
- Temporary hair thinning
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away):
- Signs of infection, such as a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, chills, or sore throat
- Unusual bruising, bleeding, or pale skin (signs of low blood cell counts)
- Severe diarrhoea, vomiting, or inability to keep fluids down
- Shortness of breath or a sudden, unexplained cough
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Monitor your temperature regularly: A fever may be the first sign of a serious infection caused by low white blood cell counts. Contact your healthcare team immediately if your temperature reaches 38°C or higher.
- Keep all blood test appointments: Your doctor will regularly check your blood cell counts before and during treatment. Treatment may sometimes be delayed if your white blood cell or neutrophil count becomes too low until it is safe to continue.
- Handle the tablets carefully: If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, avoid handling the tablets. Caregivers should wear disposable gloves when handling the medicine whenever possible.
- Use effective contraception: Women should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 6 months after the final dose. Men with partners who could become pregnant should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 3 months after the final dose.
- Inspect the tablets before use: Do not take tablets that are broken, cracked, or discoloured.
Drug Interactions
- Other bone marrow suppressing medicines: Taking Tipiracil+trifluridine alongside other drugs that lower blood cell counts can increase your risk of severe infections and bleeding. Always provide your pharmacist with a complete list of all your prescription and over-the-counter medications.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Tipiracil+trifluridine. However, as a precautionary measure, it is advisable to limit or avoid alcohol consumption. Consult your doctor for more information.
Pregnancy
cautionConsult the doctor before using Tipiracil+trifluridine in pregnancy as it may harm your fetus.
Breast Feeding
cautionIf you are breastfeeding, consult the doctor before using Tipiracil+trifluridine as it may pass into breast milk and harm your infant.
Driving
cautionIf you are taking Tipiracil+trifluridine, you should exercise caution when driving or performing any other activity because it may cause fatigue.
Liver
cautionTipiracil+trifluridine to be taken with caution, especially if you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease.
Kidney
cautionTipiracil+trifluridine to be given with caution, especially if you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease.
Children
consult your doctorSafety and efficacy have not been established in children. Please consult your doctor about using Tipiracil+trifluridine in children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat small, frequent meals: If you experience nausea or a loss of appetite, eating five to six small meals throughout the day instead of three large ones can help you maintain your strength and nutrition.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, clear broths, or electrolyte solutions daily to prevent dehydration, especially if you experience diarrhoea or vomiting.
- Prioritise rest and gentle movement: Fatigue is a common effect of this treatment. Balance quiet rest periods with light, low-impact activities like short walks to help maintain your energy levels.
- Practice strict hand hygiene: Because this medicine can lower your white blood cell count, wash your hands frequently with soap and water, and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Special Advise
- A regular blood test is required to monitor liver function and blood cells in blood while taking Tipiracil+trifluridine.
- Always take Tipiracil+trifluridine with food and a full glass of water to prevent nausea.
- Always wear gloves to prevent exposure while handling the Tipiracil+trifluridine.
- Females must use effective birth control during and 6 months after treatment, while males should use condoms during sex with female partners who can become pregnant, during and 3 months after treatment. If pregnancy occurs, inform your healthcare provider immediately.
- Avoid breastfeeding during Tipiracil+trifluridine treatment and for 1 day after the final dose.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Metastatic colorectal cancer: Metastatic colorectal cancer refers to colorectal cancer (CRC) that has spread beyond the colon or rectum to other parts of the body. Colorectal cancer typically begins in the cells lining the colon or rectum.
Stomach cancer: Stomach cancer also known as gastric cancer, occurs when cancer cells form in the lining of the stomach. The stomach is a digestive organ located in the upper abdomen that breaks down food. It's part of the digestive tract, which processes nutrients and eliminates waste.
FAQs
Tipiracil+trifluridine is used to treat certain types of stomach cancer or cancer located in the area where the stomach meets the esophagus (the tube between the throat and stomach) that has spread to other parts of the body in people who have already received at least two other chemotherapy treatments.
Tipiracil+trifluridine works by preventing cancer cells from growing and dividing. Tipiracil is a thymidine phosphorylase inhibitor. It helps by slowing down the breakdown of trifluridine in the body.
Avoid using it if you are allergic to Tipiracil+trifluridine or any of its components. If you have further information, consult your doctor.
Tipiracil+trifluridine contains Trifluridine and Tipiracil, primarily used to treat metastatic colorectal cancer who have been previously treated with other treatments like chemotherapy.
Before taking Tipiracil+trifluridine, it is essential to inform your doctor about any allergies to Tipiracil+trifluridine or ingredients, current medications, vitamins, and supplements, and your medical history, including conditions like low blood cell counts, anemia, bleeding problems, and liver or kidney disease. Additionally, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or if you are breastfeeding.
No, you should not stop taking Tipiracil+trifluridine even if you feel better. Always follow the duration prescribed by your doctor to treat your medical condition effectively.
Yes, Tipiracil+trifluridine may cause constipation. If you experience this symptom, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, eat a fibre-rich diet, limit processed foods, manage stress, and exercise regularly.
The common side effects of Tipiracil+trifluridine include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, excessive tiredness, and muscle or bone pain. Most of these side effects of Tipiracil+trifluridine do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist, contact your doctor.
No, you should not crush, chew, or split Tipiracil+trifluridine tablets. They must be swallowed whole to ensure the medicine is released correctly in your body. If you cannot swallow them whole, talk to your doctor.
If you vomit after taking your dose, do not take an additional dose to replace it. Simply take your next scheduled dose at your normal time and inform your healthcare team. Talk to your doctor if you experience persistent vomiting.
You should avoid or significantly limit alcohol while taking Tipiracil+trifluridine. Alcohol can worsen side effects like nausea, dehydration, and fatigue, and may put extra strain on your liver. Talk to your doctor for personalised advice.
Your doctor will determine how many cycles of Tipiracil+trifluridine you need based on how your body responds to the treatment and whether you experience any severe side effects. Talk to your doctor to understand your specific treatment plan.
Some patients experience temporary hair thinning or hair loss while taking Tipiracil+trifluridine, though it is typically less severe than with some other chemotherapies. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about hair loss.
You should avoid live vaccines while taking this medicine, as your immune system may be weakened. Always consult your doctor before receiving any vaccine during your treatment.
Taking Tipiracil+trifluridine after food helps your body absorb the medicine properly and reduces the risk of stomach irritation and nausea. Always take it within 1 hour after finishing your morning and evening meals.
Tipiracil+trifluridine can cause severe fatigue or weakness in some people. If you feel tired, dizzy, or weak, avoid driving or operating machinery until you feel fully alert. Talk to your doctor if these symptoms persist.
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to trifluridine, tipiracil, or any of its ingredients, or if you are pregnant. Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment. Your doctor may also delay or temporarily stop treatment if your blood tests show very low blood cell counts until it is safe to restart. Consult your healthcare team if you are unsure whether this medicine is suitable for you.
