Indication Tooltip

LORBRENA® (lorlatinib) is a prescription medicine that is used to treat people with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

  • that is caused by an abnormal anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene, and
  • that has spread to other parts of the body, and
  • who have taken the medicine:
    • alectinib, or ceritinib, or
    • both crizotinib and at least 1 other medicine to treat NSCLC that is caused by the ALK gene, and
  • that is no longer responding to these treatments.

It is not known if LORBRENA is safe and effective in children.

The effectiveness of LORBRENA is based on a study that measured tumor response rate and duration of response. There is an ongoing study to find out how LORBRENA works over a longer period of time.

What to
Expect

Taking Lorbrena

It's important to feel confident in your treatment decisions. If you are considering taking LORBRENA®, you may want to ask your doctor the following questions:

  1. Has LORBRENA been shown to be effective in patients with a treatment history similar to mine?
  2. How will I know LORBRENA is working?
  3. What are the potential side effects that I may experience while taking LORBRENA?
  4. How can I best communicate with you if I experience side effects?
  5. Will I have to make any lifestyle changes if I am prescribed LORBRENA?

To help you remember what was discussed, try bringing a notepad and pen to your appointments so you can write down what you hear.

Tell your healthcare provider about the medicines you take, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

How to Take LORBRENA

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Take LORBRENA exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it. Do not change your dose or stop taking LORBRENA unless your healthcare provider tells you to do so.

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Your healthcare provider may change your dose, temporarily stop, or permanently stop treatment with LORBRENA if you develop side effects.

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Swallow LORBRENA tablets whole. Do not chew, crush, or split LORBRENA tablets. Do not take LORBRENA tablets if they are broken, cracked, or not intact.

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Take LORBRENA at approximately the same time each day.

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You may take LORBRENA with or without food.

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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time of your next dose (within 4 hours), just take your next dose at your regular time.

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If you vomit after taking a dose of LORBRENA, do not take an extra dose. Take your next dose at your regular time.

 

Identifying and Managing Side Effects

As you begin treatment with LORBRENA, it may be helpful to learn more about what to expect. To help you identify potential side effects, the serious and most common have been outlined below. Be sure to share with your doctor if you experience these or any other side effects. It's important to remember that everyone responds to treatment differently, so you may or may not experience some of the side effects described here.

Side effects while on LORBRENA can usually be managed by your healthcare provider by adjusting your LORBRENA dose, temporarily withholding your dose, or suggesting additional medicine to take while you are taking LORBRENA.

LORBRENA may cause serious side effects, including:

  • Liver problems due to interactions with other medicines. It is important to know what medicines should not be taken with LORBRENA.
  • Problems with brain (central nervous system [CNS]) function. Many patients experienced problems with brain function including problems with thinking (such as forgetfulness or confusion), mood (such as depression), speech, seeing or hearing things that are not real (hallucinations), and seizures during treatment with LORBRENA. In some patients, these problems are severe and your healthcare provider may need to have you stop taking LORBRENA.
  • Increases in the cholesterol and triglycerides (lipid) levels in your blood. Most patients will have an increase in the lipid levels in their blood during treatment with LORBRENA.
    • If you have increases in the lipid levels in your blood during treatment with LORBRENA, your healthcare provider may need to start you on a medicine to lower the levels. If you are already taking a medicine to lower the lipid levels in your blood, your healthcare provider may need to increase your dose of that medicine.
    • Your healthcare provider should do blood tests to check the lipid levels in your blood before starting treatment, 1 to 2 months after starting treatment, and during treatment with LORBRENA.
  • Heart problems. LORBRENA may cause very slow or abnormal heartbeats. Your healthcare provider should check your heart rhythm (electrocardiogram [EKG]) before starting and during treatment with LORBRENA. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you feel dizzy or faint or have abnormal heartbeats. In some patients, these problems are severe and your healthcare provider may need to have you stop taking LORBRENA or have a pacemaker placed.
  • Lung problems. LORBRENA may cause severe or life-threatening swelling (inflammation) of the lungs during treatment that can lead to death. Symptoms may be similar to those from lung cancer. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new or worsening symptoms of lung problems, including trouble breathing, shortness of breath, cough, or fever.

In some patients, these problems are severe and your healthcare provider may need to have you stop taking LORBRENA.

The most common side effects of LORBRENA include:

  • swelling in your arms, legs, hands, and feet (edema)
  • numbness and tingling feeling in your joints or arms and legs (peripheral neuropathy)
  • difficulty thinking or confusion
  • difficulty breathing
  • tiredness (fatigue)
  • weight gain
  • pain in your joints
  • changes in mood, feeling sad or anxious
  • diarrhea

LORBRENA may cause decreased fertility in males. In males, this could affect your ability to father a child. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns about fertility.

These are not all of the possible side effects of LORBRENA. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Do not take LORBRENA if you take certain other medicines called strong CYP3A inducers. Ask your healthcare provider for a list of these medicines if you are not sure.

LORBRENA can harm your unborn baby. Your healthcare provider will do a pregnancy test before you start your treatment with LORBRENA. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant during treatment with LORBRENA.

  • Females who are able to become pregnant should use effective non-hormonal birth control during treatment with LORBRENA and for at least 6 months after their final dose.
  • Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) and other hormonal forms of birth control may not be effective if used during treatment with LORBRENA. Talk to your healthcare provider about birth control choices that are right for you during this time.
  • Males who have female partners who are able to become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment with LORBRENA and for at least 3 months after the final dose.

It is not known if LORBRENA passes into your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

  • Do not breastfeed during treatment with LORBRENA and for 7 days after the final dose. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby during this time.

Recognizing Changes

LORBRENA may cause some side effects that you did not experience while on other ALK inhibitor medicines. These side effects include increased cholesterol and/or triglycerides, hallucinations, seizures, and changes in mood, memory, thinking, or speech.

If you experience side effects, know that with your doctor's guidance, there may be ways to help manage them.

It may be helpful to have an open conversation with your family or caregiver about the potential side effects of LORBRENA. They may be able to help you recognize any changes and can help you share them with your doctor.

Managing Side Effects

If you think you may be experiencing side effects while taking LORBRENA, it's important to tell your doctor right away. He or she may adjust your LORBRENA dose or suggest additional medicine to take while you are taking LORBRENA. Do not change your dose or stop taking LORBRENA unless your doctor tells you to.

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If you develop high cholesterol and/or triglycerides, also called “lipids,” while taking LORBRENA, your doctor may need to start you on lipid-lowering medicines (usually a statin). If you are already taking lipid-lowering medicines, your doctor may increase the dose of the lipid-lowering medicine or prescribe a different medicine.

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If you experience problems with thinking (such as forgetfulness or confusion), mood (such as depression), or speech, your doctor may adjust your LORBRENA dose or, in some cases, may have you stop taking LORBRENA. In the clinical study, these side effects were generally reversible by adjusting or withholding your dose of LORBRENA.

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Dietary advice from a nutritionist and exercise may be effective weight management strategies. Speak with your doctor if you are experiencing weight gain.

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Be sure to let your doctor know if you experience swelling in your arms, legs, hands, and feet (edema) while taking LORBRENA. Your doctor may adjust your dose of LORBRENA or prescribe a diuretic, which decreases the amount of water in your body through urination. If you experience edema, you can also ask your doctor about: leg elevations, compression stockings, and lifestyle changes (such as exercising and limiting salt intake).

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If you experience feelings of numbness or tingling in the joints or arms and legs (peripheral neuropathy), your healthcare provider may start you on a medicine to treat it or change the dose of LORBRENA.

Health Tips

If you have ALK+ NSCLC, consider adopting healthy habits. Remember to always work with your doctor when making health and diet changes.

Simple Changes to Consider:

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Maintain a balanced diet—What you eat may affect how you feel. If you're interested in eating healthier, talk to your doctor or a nutritionist.

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Stay active—Light exercise and walking are activities you could ask your doctor about.

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Join a support group—You're not alone. Explore support groups in your area or online.

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Rest—When you feel fatigued, listen to your body. Take a few moments to lie down or take a nap.

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Keep track of your questions and how you feel—Write them down in a journal or notepad and take it with you to appointments to discuss with your healthcare provider.

 

For Caregivers

As a caregiver or member of a support team, it's natural for you to want to be there for your loved one who has ALK+ NSCLC. Sometimes, you may even end up putting your own needs on hold. As you care for your loved one, it's important to remember that before you can take care of someone else, you must also care for yourself.

Caregivers and Patients Are in It Together

Whether you've become a caregiver gradually or suddenly, simple strategies and tools can help you and your loved one navigate the path ahead as a team. Here are some ways to be there for your loved one:

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Household care: Prepare meals, offer to do laundry, or run errands (like grocery shopping).

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Health care: Pick up prescriptions, help schedule doctor visits, and take notes at visits.

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Emotional care: Listen, provide companionship, share stories, or enjoy a fun activity together, like watching a movie or going for a walk.

Become Your Loved One's Eyes and Ears

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Are you accompanying your loved one to appointments? If so, it might be helpful to take notes, ask questions, and meet the doctor and healthcare team.

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Throughout treatment, your loved one will receive a lot of information. Consider keeping a folder or binder to help you and your loved one keep track of medications, insurance information, appointments, test results, and questions to ask the doctor.

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If you notice your loved one is acting differently, let the doctor know.

Hear a caregiver's perspective

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"I needed to become an advocate on Jeff's behalf." -Rhonda, wife of Jeff, LORBRENA patient

Watch Rhonda's story

Important Safety Information and Indication

View More

Important Safety Information

LORBRENA® (lorlatinib) may cause serious side effects, including:

  • Liver problems due to interactions with other medicines. It is important to know what medicines should not be taken with LORBRENA.
  • Problems with brain (central nervous system [CNS]) function. Many patients experience problems with brain function, including problems with thinking (such as forgetfulness or confusion), mood (such as depression), speech, seeing or hearing things that are not real (hallucinations), and seizures during treatment with LORBRENA. If these problems are severe, your healthcare provider may need to have you stop taking LORBRENA.
  • Increases in the cholesterol and triglycerides (lipid) levels in your blood. Most patients will have an increase in the lipid levels in their blood during treatment with LORBRENA.
    • If you have increases in the lipid levels in your blood during treatment with LORBRENA, your healthcare provider may need to start you on a medicine to lower the levels. If you are already taking a medicine to lower the lipid levels in your blood, your healthcare provider may need to increase your dose of that medicine.
    • Your healthcare provider should do blood tests to check the lipid levels in your blood before starting treatment, 1 to 2 months after starting treatment, and during treatment with LORBRENA.
  • Heart problems. LORBRENA may cause very slow or abnormal heartbeats. Your healthcare provider should check your heart rhythm (electrocardiogram [EKG]) before starting and during treatment with LORBRENA. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you feel dizzy or faint or have abnormal heartbeats. If these problems are severe, your healthcare provider may need to have you stop taking LORBRENA or have a pacemaker placed.
  • Lung problems. LORBRENA may cause severe or life-threatening swelling (inflammation) of the lungs during treatment that can lead to death. Symptoms may be similar to those from lung cancer. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new or worsening symptoms of lung problems, including trouble breathing, shortness of breath, cough, or fever.

If these problems are severe, your healthcare provider may need to have you stop taking LORBRENA.

Before taking LORBRENA, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • are taking other medications
  • have had episodes of depression or seizures
  • have high levels of cholesterol or triglycerides in your blood
  • have problems with your heartbeat
  • have lung or breathing problems
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. LORBRENA can harm your unborn baby.
    • Your healthcare provider will do a pregnancy test before you start treatment with LORBRENA.
    • Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant during treatment with LORBRENA.

      –Females who are able to become pregnant should use effective non-hormonal birth control during treatment with LORBRENA and for at least 6 months after the final dose of LORBRENA. Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) and other hormonal forms of birth control may not be effective if used during treatment with LORBRENA. Talk to your healthcare provider about birth control choices that are right for you during this time.

      –Males who have female partners who are able to become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment with LORBRENA and for at least 3 months after the final dose of LORBRENA.

  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if LORBRENA passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with LORBRENA and for 7 days after the final dose. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby during this time.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Do not take LORBRENA if you take certain other medicines called strong CYP3A inducers. Ask your healthcare provider for a list of these medicines if you are not sure.

The most common side effects of LORBRENA include:

  • swelling in your arms, legs, hands, and feet (edema)
  • numbness and tingling feeling in your joints or arms and legs (peripheral neuropathy)
  • difficulty thinking or confusion
  • difficulty breathing
  • tiredness (fatigue)
  • weight gain
  • pain in your joints
  • changes in mood, feeling sad or anxious
  • diarrhea

LORBRENA may cause decreased fertility in males. In males, this could affect your ability to father a child. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns about fertility.

These are not all of the possible side effects of LORBRENA. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Indication

LORBRENA is a prescription medicine that is used to treat people with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

  • that is caused by an abnormal anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene, and
  • that has spread to other parts of the body, and
  • who have taken the medicine:
    • alectinib, or ceritinib, or
    • both crizotinib and at least 1 other medicine to treat NSCLC that is caused by the ALK gene, and
  • that is no longer responding to these treatments.

It is not known if LORBRENA is safe and effective in children.

The effectiveness of LORBRENA is based on a study that measured tumor response rate and duration of response. There is an ongoing study to find out how LORBRENA works over a longer period of time.

Please see Full Prescribing Information and Patient Information.

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