Medication Information Leaflet

What is this medication for?

Lonsurf® (trifluridine/tipiracil) is used to treat colorectal and gastric cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. It is normally used in patients who have either tried or cannot use other medications for their cancer.

How should I take or use this medication?

• Take Lonsurf® two times a day from Day 1 to 5 and Day 8 to 12 of a 28 day-cycle.
• Take it within 1 hour after a meal.
• Do not break, chew or crush the tablet. Swallow the tablet whole.
  • Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have difficulty swallowing.
• Try not to touch the tablets with your bare hands. Use the medication cup provided to take Lonsurf.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take additional doses to make up for the missed dose. 

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication
• You or your partner becomes pregnant or is planning for pregnancy
  • You should use effective birth control during treatment and for 6 months after stopping Lonsurf.
• You are breastfeeding
  
  • Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 1 day after the last dose of Lonsurf.

What are some common side effects of this medication?

• Nausea and vomiting
  • Take small, frequent meals throughout the day.
  • Take the medications for nausea or vomiting as instructed by your doctor if any.
• Diarrhea
  • Drink plenty of clear fluids to replace those lost (2 litres everyday).
  • Avoid oily or spicy food and milk or dairy products.
• Slight ache or tenderness around the stomach area
  
  • Avoid food that causes bloating or gas production in the stomach.
• Feeling tired and lack of energy
  • Do not drive or operate machinery when you feel tired.
• Decreased white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets
  • This may put you at higher risk of infections, bleeding or bruising and feeling tired.
  • To reduce your risk of infection:
    • Avoid crowds and people who are sick. Wear a face mask when you are going out.
    • Wash your hands after using the toilet and before handling food.
    • Eat food that is fresh and completely cooked, and avoid raw or half-cooked food.
  • To reduce your risk of bleeding problems:
    • Be careful when using sharp objects such as knives.
    • Try not to bruise, cut or knock yourself.
    • Brush your teeth gently as your gums may bleed more easily.
    • Apply direct pressure to any cuts or wounds to help stop bleeding.

If any of these side-effects are very bad, see your healthcare professional immediately.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

• Signs of infection - fever of 38° C and above, chills, cough, body aches
• Unhealthy pale skin colour, light-headedness, increasing tiredness or weakness
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, black sticky stools or blood in urine

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following: 

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking or intend to take any other medication, supplements, traditional medications or herbal remedies.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children. 

How do I throw away this medication safely?

Pack Lonsurf® into a bag and bring it back to the pharmacy where you received it from. 

You may refer to the following website if you need more information: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/ 
 

Disclaimer

Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.

Last updated on August 2022