Lumakras: Side Effects and How to Manage Them

Lumakras (sotorasib) is a prescription oral tablet used to treat non-small cell lung cancer in certain adults. Lumakras can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. Examples include diarrhea and liver damage.

What are the more common side effects of Lumakras?

Some people may experience mild to serious side effects during Lumakras treatment. Examples of the drug’s commonly reported side effects include:

• nausea
• musculoskeletal pain
• fatigue
• mild diarrhea*
• liver damage*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

What are the mild side effects of Lumakras?

Mild side effects have been reported with Lumakras. These include:

• swelling and water retention in various areas of the body, including the eyes, arms, testicles, or legs
• skin rash
• shortness of breath
• musculoskeletal pain or joint pain
• loss of appetite
• fatigue
• cough
• abdominal pain
• mild diarrhea* and other digestive problems, including constipation, nausea, and vomiting

In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed. But if you have symptoms that are ongoing or bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And do not stop taking Lumakras unless your doctor recommends it.

Lumakras may cause mild side effects other than those listed above. See the drug’s prescribing information for details.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

What are the serious side effects of Lumakras?

Serious side effects have been reported with Lumakras. These include:

• stomach ulcers
• severe musculoskeletal pain
• heart problems, including heart failure
• low levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, sodium, or calcium
• severe diarrhea*
• liver damage*
• lung problems*

If you develop serious side effects while taking Lumakras, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Lumakras, visit MedWatch.

Allergic reaction

For some people, Lumakras may cause an allergic reaction, but this side effect wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies.

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should keep taking Lumakras.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Lumakras, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Side effects explained

Learn more about some of the side effects Lumakras may cause.

Diarrhea

Mild diarrhea was a common side effect reported in studies of Lumakras, while severe diarrhea was less common.

With diarrhea, you may have watery, loose stools. In extreme cases, severe diarrhea may lead to dehydration or require hospital treatment.

What might help

If you have diarrhea during Lumakras treatment, talk with your doctor. They’ll likely advise you to stay hydrated by drinking liquids that contain electrolytes, such as Pedialyte or Gatorade. They may also recommend treatments such as loperamide (Imodium A-D) to relieve your symptoms.

If your diarrhea symptoms do not ease with treatment, contact your doctor right away. They may temporarily pause your Lumakras treatment until your symptoms improve. They can also tell you whether your symptoms are severe enough to seek hospital treatment.

Liver damage

High levels of liver enzymes (proteins) were common in studies of Lumakras. This side effect may be a sign of liver damage. More severe forms of liver damage, such as hepatitis, were less common in the drug’s studies.

Liver damage may cause symptoms such as:

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes)
• dark urine
• abdominal pain

What might help

Before starting Lumakras, your doctor will order blood tests to check how well your liver is working. They’ll repeat this from time to time during your Lumakras treatment. If you have a liver problem before starting this drug, your doctor will determine whether this drug is the best option for you.

If you have liver damage during Lumakras treatment, your doctor may have you temporarily pause or permanently stop taking this medication.

Lung problems

Lung problems were rare in studies of Lumakras but may include pneumonia, inflammation of the lungs, and interstitial lung disease (lung scarring).

Symptoms can vary depending on the specific lung problem but may include:

• cough
• shortness of breath
• chest pain

What might help

If you have symptoms of a lung problem during Lumakras treatment, talk with your doctor. They can help determine whether your symptoms are related to a side effect of Lumakras or non-small cell lung cancer.

If you have lung problems related to Lumakras treatment, your doctor may have you permanently stop taking the drug.

Keeping track of side effects

During your Lumakras treatment, consider taking notes on any side effects you’re having. You can then share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you first start taking a new drug or using a combination of treatments.

Your side effect notes can include things such as:

• what dose of the drug you were taking when you had the side effect
• how soon you had the side effect after starting that dose
• what your symptoms were
• how your symptoms affected your daily activities
• what other medications you were taking
• any other information you feel is important

Sharing notes with your doctor will help them learn more about how Lumakras affects you. They can then use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Warnings for Lumakras

Lumakras can sometimes cause harmful effects in people with certain conditions. This is known as a drug-condition interaction. Other factors may also affect whether this drug is a good treatment option for you.

Talk with your doctor about your health history before starting Lumakras. Be sure to tell them if any of the following factors apply to you:

• lung problems (other than non-small cell lung cancer)
• liver problems, such as liver failure
• previous allergic reaction to Lumakras
• pregnancy
• breastfeeding
• alcohol consumption

Disclaimer: adoctor 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.

### What is Lumakras?

Lumakras is a prescription medication used to treat certain⁤ types of cancer by targeting specific genetic mutations in cancer cells.

### What ⁤are the common side effects of Lumakras?

Common side effects of Lumakras include fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, liver problems, and muscle⁤ or bone pain.

### How can‌ I manage the⁢ nausea caused by Lumakras?

To⁢ manage nausea, eat small, frequent meals, avoid greasy or spicy foods, and stay hydrated. Consult your doctor for anti-nausea medications if necessary.

### What should I do⁢ if I experience diarrhea ‌while taking Lumakras?

If ⁢you experience diarrhea, drink plenty ‍of fluids to stay hydrated, and consider ⁣eating a bland diet. Over-the-counter ‍medications like loperamide may help, but consult your ​doctor before ⁤use.

### Can Lumakras affect liver function?

Yes, Lumakras can affect liver function. Your doctor may ‍monitor your liver‌ enzymes through​ blood tests during treatment. Report symptoms like jaundice or dark urine immediately.

### How do I deal with fatigue while on Lumakras?

To manage fatigue,‍ ensure you‌ get enough rest, engage in light physical activities as tolerated, and maintain a balanced diet. Discuss persistent⁢ fatigue with ‌your doctor.

### Are there any serious side effects of Lumakras‍ I should be aware⁤ of?

Serious side effects can include liver damage, lung issues, and gastrointestinal problems. Contact⁣ your healthcare provider immediately if you experience severe symptoms.

### Should‌ I inform my doctor about‍ other medications I’m taking while on Lumakras?

Yes, always inform your⁤ doctor about any other medications, supplements, or herbal ⁤products you are taking. Lumakras can interact with other substances.

### Can Lumakras cause skin‍ reactions?

Skin reactions aren’t common with Lumakras, ⁢but if ‌you notice any ‌unusual skin changes‌ or rashes, inform your healthcare provider immediately.

### What are​ some tips for managing muscle or bone pain from Lumakras?

Manage muscle or bone pain by staying physically ‍active, using ​warm ​compresses, and taking pain relievers as prescribed by your⁤ doctor.

### How often should I have medical check-ups while taking Lumakras?

Your⁣ doctor will advise ⁢on‍ the frequency of⁤ your medical ‍check-ups,⁢ which may include regular blood tests to monitor your health during treatment.

These FAQs are designed to provide clear,⁣ concise information about Lumakras and ⁣its side effects,⁣ with a focus on helping patients understand and manage their treatment ⁢effectively. Always consult your healthcare provider‌ for ⁤personalized advice ‌and guidance.
Certainly! Below is a sample FAQ section optimized for SEO, formatted with HTML headings, and designed to address common questions about Lumakras side effects ​and management. Please‌ note that this content is a general ‍representation and should be customized as needed⁢ for specific uses.