Uses
This medication is used to treat lung cancer. Lurbinectedin belongs to a class of drugs known as alkylating agents. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.
How To Use
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using lurbinectedin and before each treatment. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication is given by injection into a vein as directed by your doctor, usually every 21 days. The injection is given by a health care professional, usually over 60 minutes. Tell your doctor right away if you have pain, irritation, redness, or swelling at or near the injection site during or after the injection.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, body size, response to treatment, lab tests, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Your doctor may prescribe medications (such as dexamethasone, ondansetron) before each dose to help prevent side effects such as nausea/vomiting. Carefully follow your doctor's directions for all your medications.
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
To get the most benefit, do not miss any doses. To help you remember, mark the days on the calendar when you need to receive this medication.
Side Effects
Tiredness, joint pain, constipation or diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite may occur. Nausea and vomiting can be severe. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Eating several small meals, not eating before treatment, or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
People using this medication may have serious side effects. However, you have been prescribed this drug because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your risk.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
- pain/redness/swelling at injection site
- easy bruising/bleeding
- numbness/tingling/pain in the arms or legs
- pale skin
- muscle pain/tenderness/weakness
- signs of liver problems (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine)
This medication may lower your ability to fight infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal) infection or make any infection you have worse. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills, cough).
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before receiving lurbinectedin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain other inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- recent/current infections
- kidney problems
- liver problems
Lurbinectedin can make you more likely to get infections or may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who has an infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.
Tell your health care professional that you are using lurbinectedin before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).
To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be at greater risk for low blood cell counts while using this drug.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your doctor may order a pregnancy test before starting this medication. You should not become pregnant while using lurbinectedin. Lurbinectedin may harm an unborn baby. Women of childbearing age should ask about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for at least 6 months after the last dose. Men with female partners of childbearing age should use reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for at least 4 months after the last dose. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug and for at least 2 weeks after the last dose is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
See also How to Use section.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Other medications can affect the removal of lurbinectedin from your body, which may affect how lurbinectedin works. Examples include azole antifungals (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole), macrolide antibiotics (such as clarithromycin), HIV drugs (such as saquinavir), rifamycins (such as rifabutin, rifampin), ritonavir, St. John's wort, some drugs used to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, primidone), among others.
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Notes
Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count, kidney/liver function, blood sugar, sodium/magnesium blood levels, CPK levels) should be done before you start using this medication and while you are using it. Keep all medical and lab appointments.
Missed Dose
It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule.
If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Storage
Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
Medical Alert
Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
