Lorlatinib was approved for marketing in China by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in April 2022 and has been included in the National Reimbursement Drug List.
Lorlatinib Indications
Lorlatinib is an orally administered kinase inhibitor for the treatment of patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose disease has progressed after treatment with crizotinib and at least one other ALK inhibitor for metastatic disease, or after treatment with alectinib as a first-line ALK inhibitor for metastatic disease, or after treatment with ceritinib as a first-line ALK inhibitor for metastatic disease.
Lorlatinib Dosage Management
1. Swallow the Lorlatinib tablet whole. Do not crush, chew, or break it.
2. Take the medication at the same time every day, either with food or on an empty stomach.
3. Do not use broken or cracked Lorlatinib tablets.
4. If you vomit shortly after taking Lorlatinib, do not take another dose. Wait until your next scheduled dose.
Lorlatinib Dosage and Administration
Used adult dose for non-small cell lung cancer
Oral administration of 100 mg once daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Management for Missed Lorlatinib Doses
If you discover you have missed a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is less than 4 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at once.
Lorlatinib Side Effects
1. Serious Side Effects
Sudden chest pain, wheezing, dry cough; shortness of breath or rapid breathing; fever, chills, sputum production; sudden dizziness (feeling like you're about to faint); numbness, tingling, or burning sensation in the hands or feet; unusual changes in mood or behavior, thoughts of harming yourself; hallucinations; problems with speech, thinking, or memory.
2. Common Side Effects
Swelling of the arms, hands, legs, or feet; numbness, tingling, or burning sensation in the hands or feet; mood changes; feeling tired; weight gain; joint pain; diarrhea.
Lorlatinib Drug Interactions
Many drugs can interact with lorlatinib. This includes prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all the medications you are currently using and any medications you start or stop using.
Lorlatinib Use in Special Populations
1. Pregnancy
Lorlatinib may harm an unborn child or cause birth defects. Lorlatinib should not be used by women who are pregnant. A pregnancy test is required before starting treatment, and the medication can only be used if the result is negative. Women should use effective contraception to prevent pregnancy during treatment with Lorlatinib and for at least 6 months after the last dose. Men should continue using contraception for at least 3 months after the last dose.
2. Women and Men of Reproductive Potential
If pregnancy occurs while using Lorlatinib, inform your doctor immediately. This medication may affect male fertility (the ability to father children).
Lorlatinib can reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptive methods (pills, injections, implants, skin patches, vaginal rings). Ask your doctor which method of contraception is best to use while using Lorlatinib.
3. Breastfeeding
Do not breastfeed while using Lorlatinib and for at least 7 days after the last dose.
