Lonsurf (Trifluridine And Tipiracil)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Lonsurf Used For?
Lonsurf is a cancer chemotherapy medicine that contains two active ingredients working together to fight cancer cells.
Primary Uses
Lonsurf is used to treat adults with colon or rectal cancer (colorectal cancer) and gastric cancer (stomach cancer) when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. It’s prescribed when other treatments haven’t worked or aren’t suitable for you.
How It Works
Lonsurf contains trifluridine, which stops the growth of cancer cells, and tipiracil, which prevents trifluridine from being broken down by your body, helping it work longer to slow down the growth and spread of cancer cells.
How to Take Lonsurf
Your doctor will provide you with a MyLonsurf dosing calendar to help you understand your specific dose and treatment schedule.
Dosage Instructions
Take Lonsurf exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The dose depends on your weight, height, and kidney function. You’ll take half your daily dose in the morning and half at night, immediately after meals or within one hour of finishing your meals. Swallow tablets whole with water and wash your hands after handling them. Treatment follows a specific pattern: Week 1 – take twice daily for 5 days, then 2 days off. Week 2 – take twice daily for 5 days, then 2 days off. Weeks 3 and 4 – no medicine. This 4-week period is one treatment cycle.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, don’t take it later. Record the missed dose and tell your doctor and pharmacist immediately. Continue with your next scheduled dose as normal.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose, as this may increase your risk of side effects.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Skin rash, itchy or flaky skin
- Skin flushing and dryness
- Hair loss
- Decreased appetite
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Weight loss
- Changes in taste
- Mouth pain or ulcers
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Cough
- Joint and muscle pain
- Hand-foot syndrome (redness, swelling, pain on palms and soles)
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Neutropenia (low white blood cells) with chills, fever, sweating, or signs of infection
- Anaemia (low red blood cells) causing shortness of breath, tiredness, or pale appearance
- Thrombocytopenia (low platelets) causing unusual bruising or bleeding
- Severe vomiting and diarrhoea leading to dehydration
- Intense abdominal pain with vomiting, fever, or swelling
- Shortness of breath, wheezing, or difficulty breathing
- Blood clots in lungs causing chest pain and shortness of breath
- Septic shock with chills, fever, and sweating
- Sudden allergic reactions with skin rash, swelling of face, lips, or tongue
Important Warnings
There are several important safety considerations before starting Lonsurf treatment.
Who Should Not Take Lonsurf
Don’t take Lonsurf if you’re allergic to trifluridine, tipiracil, or any other ingredients. Don’t take expired medicine or if packaging is damaged.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems (Lonsurf isn’t recommended for some kidney patients), liver problems (may increase risk of liver issues), or lactose intolerance (Lonsurf contains lactose). Your doctor will perform blood tests before each treatment cycle to monitor your kidney and liver function.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Don’t take Lonsurf if you’re pregnant or think you might be pregnant, as it may harm your unborn baby. Use effective contraception during treatment and for 6 months after stopping. Don’t breastfeed while taking Lonsurf as it may interfere with your baby’s growth and development. Lonsurf may reduce fertility in both men and women.
Fertility Warning: Lonsurf may reduce fertility in both men and women. Discuss your options with your doctor before starting treatment.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with how Lonsurf works, so it’s important to tell your doctor about all medications you’re taking.
- HIV medicines such as zidovudine (may not work as well when taken with Lonsurf)
- Any prescription medicines
- Over-the-counter medicines
- Vitamins and supplements
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious about activities that require alertness while taking Lonsurf.
Alcohol
The source material doesn’t specifically mention alcohol interactions with Lonsurf. Discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Don’t drive or operate machinery until you know how Lonsurf affects you. Speak with your doctor about when you can safely resume these activities.
Storage
Store Lonsurf in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Don’t store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep tablets in their original pack until it’s time to take them. Store in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground, out of reach of children. Don’t use after the expiry date printed on the pack.
Overdose Information
If you think you’ve taken too much Lonsurf, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you don’t feel unwell.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lonsurf works by slowing cancer cell growth over time. Your doctor will continue treatment as long as you’re receiving benefit from therapy and will monitor your progress through regular check-ups and blood tests.
Yes, you should take Lonsurf immediately after your morning and evening meals, or within one hour after completing your meals.
If you miss a dose, don’t take it later. Record the missed dose and tell your doctor and pharmacist immediately. Never take a double dose to make up for the missed one.
No, don’t stop taking Lonsurf or reduce the dose even if you feel better, without checking with your doctor first. Your doctor will decide when to stop treatment based on your response and any side effects.
Your doctor will perform blood tests before each treatment cycle to monitor how your kidneys and liver are working, as Lonsurf can affect these organs.
You’ll take Lonsurf twice daily for 5 days in week 1, then 2 days off. Repeat this in week 2, then have 2 weeks completely off medicine. This 4-week pattern is one treatment cycle.
No, you must not become pregnant while taking Lonsurf as it may harm your unborn baby. Use effective contraception during treatment and for 6 months after stopping the medicine.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.