TIPANAT 15 Tablet

1. Product Introduction

TIPANAT 15 Tablet is a combination chemotherapy medicine that contains two active ingredients: Trifluridine and Tipiracil. It is primarily used in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer that has progressed after standard therapies. Trifluridine is a nucleoside analog that gets incorporated into the DNA of cancer cells, interfering with their replication. Tipiracil helps by increasing the availability and efficacy of Trifluridine in the body by inhibiting its degradation.

TIPANAT is typically prescribed when other cancer treatments like fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan-based regimens have failed or stopped working. This oral chemotherapeutic agent offers a targeted and convenient way to manage advanced-stage colorectal cancer and is taken under strict medical supervision.

2. Uses of This Medicine

TIPANAT 15 Tablet is used for the treatment of:

• Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (mCRC): Specifically in adult patients who have been previously treated with or are not candidates for other chemotherapy regimens including fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, irinotecan, anti-VEGF agents, and anti-EGFR agents (in RAS wild-type patients).

It is often used as salvage therapy, helping to slow down disease progression and improve the patient’s quality of life when other treatments are no longer effective.

3. Benefits of This Medicine

• Prolongs Survival in Advanced Cancer: TIPANAT has shown improved overall survival rates in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who had limited treatment options remaining.

• Oral Chemotherapy Option: Being available in tablet form, it allows patients to receive chemotherapy without hospital admission or intravenous injections.

• Slows Cancer Progression: It works by interfering with DNA synthesis in cancer cells, which helps slow or stop tumor growth.

• Improves Quality of Life: Even though it is not curative, TIPANAT can help reduce symptoms, delay complications, and offer valuable time for patients with advanced colorectal cancer.

• Well-Defined Dosing Cycles: Typically given in 28-day cycles, the dosage schedule allows for treatment response assessment and toxicity management in a predictable manner.

4. Side Effects

Like all chemotherapy medications, TIPANAT 15 Tablet can cause side effects. Some may be mild, while others can be serious and require close monitoring.

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea and Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Fatigue

• Loss of Appetite

• Abdominal Pain

• Low Red Blood Cell Count (Anemia)

• Low White Blood Cell Count (Neutropenia)

• Low Platelet Count (Thrombocytopenia)

Serious Side Effects:

• Febrile Neutropenia: Fever along with a significant drop in white blood cells, which can lead to infections.

• Severe Anemia: May cause shortness of breath, dizziness, and fatigue.

• Bleeding or Bruising: Due to reduced platelets.

• Liver Function Changes: Elevated liver enzymes may require periodic liver tests.

• Infections: As immunity may be suppressed, patients are more vulnerable to infections.

Precautions:

• Regular blood tests are required to monitor blood counts and liver function.

• Women should avoid pregnancy while taking this medicine and for some time afterward.

• Use effective contraception during treatment (for both men and women).

• Inform your doctor about any current medications to avoid harmful drug interactions.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What is TIPANAT 15 Tablet used for?
A: TIPANAT 15 is primarily used to treat metastatic colorectal cancer that has not responded to other chemotherapy drugs. It helps slow the progression of the disease.

Q2. How does TIPANAT work?
A: TIPANAT combines two drugs: Trifluridine, which incorporates into cancer cell DNA and stops replication, and Tipiracil, which boosts Trifluridine’s effectiveness by preventing its breakdown in the body.

Q3. How should I take TIPANAT 15 Tablet?
A: Take it exactly as prescribed, usually twice daily within 1 hour after the morning and evening meals, in a 28-day cycle (5 days on, 2 days off for 2 weeks, followed by 2 weeks off).

Q4. Can I stop taking TIPANAT if I feel better?
A: No, continue the treatment exactly as advised by your doctor. Stopping early can reduce the effectiveness and allow cancer to progress more quickly.

Q5. What should I do if I miss a dose?
A: Skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time. Always inform your doctor about missed doses.