Etibo 250mg Tablet

1. Product Introduction

Etibo 250mg Tablet is a targeted anticancer medicine containing Lapatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used primarily in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. Lapatinib is designed to block specific proteins (HER2 and EGFR) that promote the growth of cancer cells. By targeting these proteins, Etibo interferes with the growth and spread of cancer, offering an effective therapeutic approach for patients with advanced or metastatic breast cancer.

Manufactured to pharmaceutical standards, Etibo comes in a tablet form and is taken orally. It is commonly used in combination with other anticancer agents such as Capecitabine or Letrozole for greater efficacy. This medicine is typically prescribed to patients who have progressed after prior treatment with other anti-HER2 therapies like Trastuzumab.

Etibo 250mg Tablet represents a critical component of personalized cancer care, focusing on molecular targets and minimizing the impact on healthy cells.

2. Uses of This Medicine

Etibo 250mg Tablet is primarily prescribed for:

• HER2-Positive Advanced or Metastatic Breast Cancer:
  Used in patients whose cancer overexpresses the HER2 receptor and who have previously received treatment, including Trastuzumab, a taxane, and an anthracycline.

• Hormone Receptor-Positive, HER2-Positive Breast Cancer:
  Combined with Letrozole, it is used in postmenopausal women as a first-line therapy for hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer that also overexpresses HER2.

• Other Off-Label Uses (as determined by the oncologist):
  Lapatinib is being studied and occasionally used in other HER2-positive cancers, including gastric and brain metastases from breast cancer.

It is crucial to use Etibo under the guidance of an oncologist, following proper diagnostic confirmation of HER2 positivity.

3. Benefits of This Medicine

Etibo 250mg Tablet offers several clinical benefits for patients battling HER2-positive breast cancer:

• Dual Tyrosine Kinase Inhibition:
  Lapatinib targets both HER2 and EGFR receptors, inhibiting cell signaling pathways responsible for tumor growth and survival.

• Improves Progression-Free Survival:
  When combined with Capecitabine or Letrozole, Etibo helps delay disease progression in patients who have exhausted other treatment options.

• Oral Administration:
  Being a tablet, Etibo offers the convenience of oral dosing compared to intravenous therapies, improving patient comfort and treatment adherence.

• Active in Brain Metastases:
  Lapatinib can cross the blood-brain barrier, making it a useful option in treating brain metastases in HER2-positive breast cancer patients.

• Synergistic Effects with Other Drugs:
  When used in combination with chemotherapy or hormone therapy, it enhances overall treatment efficacy.

• Targeted Therapy:
  Etibo selectively targets cancer cells with minimal impact on normal, healthy cells, reducing the severity of some traditional chemotherapy side effects.

4. Side Effects

Like all anticancer medicines, Etibo 250mg Tablet may cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. Side effects can vary based on individual tolerance and the combination of therapies being used.

Common Side Effects:

• Diarrhea (most frequent)

• Nausea and vomiting

• Fatigue or weakness

• Skin rash or acneiform eruption

• Loss of appetite

• Mouth sores

• Pain in hands and feet (hand-foot syndrome)

Serious Side Effects:

• Liver toxicity (elevated liver enzymes)

• Heart problems (decreased left ventricular ejection fraction)

• Interstitial lung disease (rare)

• Severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson Syndrome – very rare)

Regular monitoring of liver function and heart function is advised during treatment. If side effects are severe or persistent, dose adjustment or discontinuation may be necessary under medical supervision.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What is Etibo 250mg Tablet used for?
A: Etibo is used to treat HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, particularly in patients who have previously been treated with other anti-HER2 therapies.

Q2. How should I take Etibo tablets?
A: Etibo should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or after a meal). Swallow the tablets whole with water.

Q3. Can Etibo be used as a first-line treatment?
A: Yes, in combination with Letrozole, Etibo can be used as first-line therapy in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-positive breast cancer.

Q4. What should I do if I miss a dose?
A: If you miss a dose of Etibo, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.

Q5. Are there any dietary restrictions while taking Etibo?
A: Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice, as it may interfere with the metabolism of Lapatinib. Also, follow a balanced, nutritious diet as advised by your doctor.