Explore
MedicinePOM

Lapatinib

Lapatinib (Tykerb) is a targeted cancer tablet for HER2-positive breast cancer.

Clinical information

Common uses

  • advanced HER2-positive breast cancer (with capecitabine)
  • hormone-positive metastatic breast cancer (with letrozole)

Common side effects

  • diarrhoea
  • sore red palms and soles
  • feeling sick
  • rash
  • tiredness

Cautions

  • can cause severe, sometimes fatal, liver damage
  • can weaken the heart's pumping — heart checks needed
  • can cause lung inflammation — report breathing problems
  • can harm an unborn baby — use contraception

Interactions

  • strong CYP3A4 inhibitor medicines (avoid)
  • strong CYP3A4 inducer medicines (avoid)
  • raises levels of drugs broken down by CYP3A4, CYP2C8 or P-gp

Pregnancy: avoid — can harm an unborn baby

Reference information, not medical advice — always follow your doctor or pharmacist. Source: DailyMed, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov, lapatinib (Tykerb) label, setid eee37f88-ec6a-4c30-b8aa-e2c71f93088c (accessed 2026-08-16)

Approved brands & formulations1

Brand nameDosage formStrengthImporterCategory
LapatinibTablet250mgPOM
Old search API