If you have a certain kind of breast cancer, your doctor might suggest Tykerb as a treatment option. It’s a prescription drug used to treat the following kinds of breast cancer in adults:

Lapatinib is an active ingredient in Tykerb. An active ingredient is what makes a drug work. Tykerb is a drug that is in a group of drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Tykerb is a tablet that you swallow.

This article describes the dosages of Tykerb, as well as its strength and how to take it. To learn more about Tykerb, see this in-depth article.

Note: The charts below highlight the basics of Tykerb’s dosage. Read on for more detail.

Condition Typical daily dosage
HER2-positive breast cancer that’s advanced or metastatic 1,250 milligrams (mg)
HER2-positive breast cancer that’s HR-positive and metastatic 1,500 mg

Please keep in mind that this article covers Tykerb’s standard dosage schedule, which is provided by the drug’s manufacturer. But always follow the dosing instructions your doctor prescribes.

Tykerb has a standard dosage.

What is Tykerb’s form?

Tykerb is a tablet that you swallow.

What strength does Tykerb come in?

One strength of Tykerb is 250 milligrams.

What are the usual dosages of Tykerb?

Your doctor will likely start you with a recommended starting dose. They will prescribe the smallest dose that will provide the desired effect.

The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for HER2-positive advanced or metastatic breast cancer

When used for advanced or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer that’s been treated before, Tykerb is usually taken on a 21-day treatment cycle. For this use, Tykerb is taken with the chemotherapy drug Xeloda (capecitabine).

1,250 imi Tykerb will be taken once per day on days 1 to 21. You will take five tablets at the same time.

On days 1 to 14, you’ll also take 2,000 mg of Xeloda per meters squared (mg/m2) of your body surface area. (Your doctor will calculate your dose for you.) This daily dosage of Xeloda is split into two doses taken at least 12 hours apart.

If your cancer gets worse, you need to stop treatment because of the negative side effects.

You should take your Tykerb dose at least an hour after a meal. Within 30 minutes after eating a meal, Xeloda tablets should be taken.

Dosage for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer that’s also HR-positive

Tykerb is used to treat HER2 positive breast cancer that is hormone-receptor positive and has spread. The Tykerb dosage is 1,500mg once per day. You will take six tablets at the same time.

For this use, you’ll also take Femara (letrozole) with Tykerb every day of your treatment. The typical dosage of Femara is 2.5 mg (one tablet) taken once per day.

Is Tykerb used long term?

Tykerb is usually a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor agree that it is safe and effective for your condition, you will likely take it for a long time. You will take it until your cancer gets worse or you have too many side effects.

Dosage adjustments

If you have certain medical conditions, your doctor may need to adjust your Tykerb dose.

Tykerb has a boxed warning for severe liver damage. If you have liver problems, your doctor may start you on a lower dose of Tykerb, or they may recommend a different treatment for you.

The first section of the article contains a description of the warning.

The amount of Tykerb you are prescribed may be affected by a number of factors. These include:

  • The type of condition you are treating with the drug.
  • You may have other conditions.
  • other drugs you may be taking while using Tykerb (see this article for more information)
  • You may have side effects from taking Tykerb.

Tykerb is a pill that is swallowed. You will take one dose per day. It is recommended that Tykerb be taken at least an hour after a meal.

If you have trouble swallowing tablets, this article has tips that might help.

For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Tykerb, see this article.

Accessible drug containers and labels

“If you can’t read the prescription label on your medication, you should tell your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies have labels for medication.”

  • Large print or use of blind.
  • You can use a code on a phone to change the text to sound.

“If your current pharmacy doesn’t offer accessibility features, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend a new pharmacy.”

Let your pharmacist know if you have trouble opening bottles. They may be able to give Tykerb in a container. They may have tips to make it easier to open the drug container.

If you miss a dose of Tykerb, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at its regular time the next day. You should not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose. Doing so can raise your risk of side effects.

If you need help remembering to take your dose of Tykerb on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.

If you take more Tykerb than your doctor prescribes, you can have serious side effects.

Symptoms of overdose

There are symptoms caused by an overdose of Tykerb.

  • fast heart rate
  • sore scalp.
  • The linings of the stomach and lungs are swollen.
  • The side effects of Tykerb may be worse than usual.

* To learn about Tykerb’s side effects, see this article.

What to do in case you take too much Tykerb

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Tykerb. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.

The dosages provided by the drug manufacturer are described in the sections above. If your doctor recommends Tykerb, they will prescribe the correct amount.

Remember, you should not change your dosage of Tykerb without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Tykerb exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.

You may want to ask your doctor some questions.

  • “Should my dose be changed if Tykerb isn’t working well for me?”
  • Does my Tykerb dosage need to be changed if I take other drugs with it?
  • Is a different dose of Tykerb going to increase my risk of side effects?
  • Is it possible to take Tykerb if I have a history of heart problems or liver problems?

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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.