Trifluridine+tipiracil
About Trifluridine+tipiracil
Trifluridine+tipiracil is a combination medication that contains Trifluridine, a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor, and Tipiracil, a thymidine phosphorylase inhibitor. It is used to treat patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who have been previously treated with other treatments, like chemotherapy.
Trifluridine+tipiracil is a combination medication that contains Trifluridine and Tipiracil. Trifluridine belongs to a group of drugs known as thymidine-based nucleoside analogues. It works by preventing cancer cells from growing and dividing. Tipiracil is a thymidine phosphorylase inhibitor. It helps by slowing down the breakdown of trifluridine in the body. Thus, it stays active longer and works more effectively against cancer cells.
Take Trifluridine+tipiracil in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Taking food with food at a fixed time is recommended to achieve maximum effect. Sometimes, you may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, headache, excessive tiredness, and muscle or bone pain. Most of these side effects of Trifluridine+tipiracil do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist, contact your doctor. Please consult your doctor immediately if you experience any allergic reactions or unusual symptoms.
It is not advisable to stop taking Trifluridine+tipiracil suddenly to avoid unpleasant side effects. The full course prescribed by the doctor should be completed. Inform your doctor if you have low white blood cell counts, anemia, bleeding problems, or liver and kidney disease.
Uses of Trifluridine+tipiracil
Medicinal Benefits
Trifluridine+tipiracil is a combination medication, containing Trifluridine and Tipiracil. Trifluridine belongs to a group of drugs known as thymidine-based nucleoside analogues. It works by preventing cancer cells from growing and dividing. Tipiracil is a thymidine phosphorylase inhibitor. It helps by slowing down the breakdown of trifluridine in the body.
Directions for Use
Swallow the Trifluridine+tipiracil as a whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Storage
Side Effects of Trifluridine+tipiracil
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea and stomach pain
- Constipation
- Hair loss
- Changes in taste
- Loss of appetite
- Mouth sores and swelling
- Fatigue and weakness
- Muscle and bone pain
- Headaches
Drug Warnings
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Trifluridine, Tipiracil, or any other of its components. Please inform your doctor if you face any difficulty while taking Trifluridine+tipiracil. Inform your doctor if you have low white blood cell counts, anemia, bleeding problems, or liver and kidney disease. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or breastfeed. Monitor blood counts regularly and adjust treatment as needed. Do not take any vaccines without a doctor’s advice, as they may interact. Always wear gloves to prevent exposure while handling Trifluridine+tipiracil.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: This medication may have an interaction with monoclonal antibodies (like adalimumab, alemtuzumab, golimumab, and natalizumab), janus kinase inhibitors (abrocitinib, tofacitinib), tyrosine kinase inhibitors (deucravacitinib), sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator (etrasimod), antirheumatic drugs (leflunomide), and vaccines (influenza virus vaccine, rotavirus vaccine, typhoid vaccine).
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions were found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Inform your doctor if you have low white blood cell counts, myelosuppression, anemia, bleeding problems, or liver and kidney disease.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Trifluridine+tipiracil. However, as a precautionary measure, it is advisable to limit or avoid alcohol consumption. Consult your doctor for more information.
Pregnancy
cautionConsult the doctor before using Trifluridine+tipiracil in pregnancy as it may harm your fetus.
Breast Feeding
cautionIf you are breastfeeding, consult the doctor before using Trifluridine+tipiracil as it may pass into breast milk and harm your infant.
Driving
cautionIf you are taking Trifluridine+tipiracil, you should exercise caution when driving or performing any other activity because it may cause fatigue.
Liver
cautionTrifluridine+tipiracil to be taken with caution, especially if you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease.
Kidney
cautionTrifluridine+tipiracil to be given with caution, especially if you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease.
Children
consult your doctorSafety and efficacy have not been established in children. Please consult your doctor about using Trifluridine+tipiracil in children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath, or listening to soothing music.
- Eat foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries, spinach, kidney beans, dark chocolate, and those with high fiber content. Also, eat small and frequent meals for a speedy recovery.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption. Also, avoid high fat and cholesterol diet.
Special Advise
- A regular blood test is required to monitor liver function and blood cells in blood while taking Trifluridine+tipiracil.
- Always take Trifluridine+tipiracil with food and a full glass of water to prevent nausea.
- Always wear gloves to prevent exposure while handling the Trifluridine+tipiracil.
- Females must use effective birth control during and 6 months after treatment, while males should use condoms during sex with female partners who can become pregnant, during and 3 months after treatment. If pregnancy occurs, inform your healthcare provider immediately.
- Avoid breastfeeding during Trifluridine+tipiracil treatment and for 1 day after the final dose.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Metastatic colorectal cancer: Metastatic colorectal cancer refers to colorectal cancer (CRC) that has spread beyond the colon or rectum to other parts of the body. Colorectal cancer typically begins in the cells lining the colon or rectum.
Stomach cancer: Stomach cancer also known as gastric cancer, occurs when cancer cells form in the lining of the stomach. The stomach is a digestive organ located in the upper abdomen that breaks down food. It's part of the digestive tract, which processes nutrients and eliminates waste.
FAQs
Trifluridine+tipiracil is used to treat certain types of stomach cancer or cancer located in the area where the stomach meets the esophagus (the tube between the throat and stomach) that has spread to other parts of the body in people who have already received at least two other chemotherapy treatments.
Trifluridine+tipiracil works by preventing cancer cells from growing and dividing. Tipiracil is a thymidine phosphorylase inhibitor. It helps by slowing down the breakdown of trifluridine in the body.
Avoid using it if you are allergic to Trifluridine+tipiracil or any of its components. If you have further information, consult your doctor.
Trifluridine+tipiracil contains Trifluridine and Tipiracil, primarily used to treat metastatic colorectal cancer who have been previously treated with other treatments like chemotherapy.
Before taking Trifluridine+tipiracil, it is essential to inform your doctor about any allergies to Trifluridine+tipiracil or ingredients, current medications, vitamins, and supplements, and your medical history, including conditions like low blood cell counts, anemia, bleeding problems, and liver or kidney disease. Additionally, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or if you are breastfeeding.
No, you should not stop taking Trifluridine+tipiracil even if you feel better. Always follow the duration prescribed by your doctor to treat your medical condition effectively.
Yes, Trifluridine+tipiracil may cause constipation. If you experience this symptom, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, eat a fibre-rich diet, limit processed foods, manage stress, and exercise regularly.
The common side effects of Trifluridine+tipiracil include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, excessive tiredness, and muscle or bone pain. Most of these side effects of Trifluridine+tipiracil do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist, contact your doctor.