This medication is used to treat certain cancers (such
as stomach, colon/rectum). It works by slowing or stopping the growth of
cancer cells.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start taking this medication and each time you
get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
This drug is not taken every day. On the days you are
supposed to take this medication, take it by mouth as directed by your
doctor, usually twice in one day. Take your dose within 1 hour after eating
your morning and evening meals. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush or
chew. Follow your doctor's directions exactly.
The dosage is based on your body size, medical
condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or use this
drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not
improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will
increase.
Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times on the days your
doctor directs.
If you vomit after taking a dose, do not take another
dose at that time. Take your next dose at the regular time.
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and
lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become
pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the
tablets. You and your caregiver should wear gloves when handling this
medication. Wash your hands after handling the tablets.
Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, change in taste, or hair
loss may occur. 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.
This medication decreases bone marrow function, an
effect that may lead to a low number of blood cells such as red cells,
white cells, and platelets. This effect can cause anemia, decrease your
body's ability to fight an infection, or cause easy bruising/bleeding. Tell
your doctor right away if you develop any of the following
symptoms:
- unusual tiredness
- pale skin
- signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away,
fever, chills)
- easy bruising/bleeding
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- chest pain
- trouble breathing
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.
Before taking trifluridine/tipiracil, tell your doctor
or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other
allergies. This product may contain 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:
- kidney problems
- liver problems
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
This product 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
trifluridine/tipiracil 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.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially decreased bone marrow function.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using
trifluridine/tipiracil. Trifluridine/tipiracil may harm an unborn baby.
Your doctor should order a pregnancy test before you start this medication.
Men and women using this medication should ask about reliable forms of
birth control during treatment and for 6 months after the last dose. Men
taking this medication should use condoms during sex with women who are
pregnant or of childbearing age. If you or your partner becomes pregnant,
talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this
medication.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this medication and for one day after the last
dose. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
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.
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 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood counts)
must be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab
appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store in the original bottle at room temperature away
from light and moisture. If stored outside of the original bottle, this
medication expires after 30 days. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all
medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.
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).