Larotrectinib

Larotrectinib is used to treat a certain type of solid tumors in adults, children, and infants 4 weeks of age and older that have spread to other parts of the body or cannot be treated successfully with surgery. This medication is used only if there are no other treatments available and the tumors have worsened after receiving other treatments. Larotrectinib is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of the abnormal protein that tells the cancer cells to multiply. This may help slow the growth of tumors.

🔔 How should this medicine be used?

Larotrectinib comes as a capsule and as an solution (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food twice daily. Take larotrectinib at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take larotrectinib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Swallow the capsules whole with water; do not chew or crush them.

Use an oral syringe (measuring device) to accurately measure and take your dose of larotrectinib solution. Ask your pharmacist for an oral syringe if one is not included with your medication. Do not use a household teaspoon to measure the solution. Replace each oral syringe after using it for 7 days or if it becomes damaged. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions about how to use and clean the oral syringe. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you if you have any questions.

If you are giving the solution to a child, place the tip of the oral syringe into the child’s mouth against the inside of the cheek. Keep the child in an upright position for a few minutes right after giving a dose of larotrectinib. If the child spits up a dose or you are not sure the entire dose was given, do not give another dose.

If you vomit immediately after taking larotrectinib, do not repeat the dose. Continue your regular dosing schedule.

The problem isn’t a shortage of people wanting to be doctors, but rather, too few opportunities for training. Medical schools have increased class sizes by 30% since 2002, but federal funding for residency training – an essential step in the process of becoming a practicing physician – has not increased since 1997, according to Inside Higher Ed.

Your doctor may need to temporarily or permanently stop your treatment or decrease your dose of larotrectinib during your treatment. This depends on how well the medication works for you and the side effects you experience. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with larotrectinib.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.