Lapatinib rash?

Hi, I'm in a neo-adjuvant trial that uses lapatinib+TCH.  I've been on it a little over a week now and have the rash - initially on my chest but now mostly on my face and it looks like serious acne.  Lovely.  My onc told me that there is a lotion (prescription) for it, but thought I wasn't "that bad" yet!  Yeesh!

Hey chainsawz, yes the lotion was clinamycin, she did say it was for the face.

I am/was in a NSABP trial  that paired lapatinib (1250 mg/day) with Taxol after AC treatment.  I started the lapatinib in August.  I broke out in a slight rash first, was given an antibiotic lotion for my face as it was assumed the rash was due to the Taxol. Then in mid October I broke out in a horrible, weeping rash all over my body. My face swelled up  and my skin turned red under my rash. I went off the lapatinib for a couple weeks. During the time I was off lapatinib I took Medrol, Zyrtec, Zantac and Benadryl. When I started the lower dose (1000 mg/day) I continued with the Zyrtec, Zantac and Benadryl. After about 3 weeks of that, I started breaking out again! I immediately stopped the lapatinib. The dr who was head of the trial said no more.  She said the rash could also have gone in my mouth and down my throat, besides the anaphylatic shock risk.

The research documents said that most patients don't have recurrence of rash after taking a break, but I did.  It seems most of you all were able to overcome the rashes. I just wanted to post my experience in case anyone has a slight rash, they will know to watch out for it to get worse.

Good news is I've finished the Taxol, yay!!! Now have surgery scheduled for Jan 4.

ETA:  I also had pretty bad diarrhea while on the lapatinib, which we also attributed to Taxol at first. When I stopped the lapatinib the first time, it went away, then came back when I started it again.  My body doesn't like lapatinib. I'm glad I got to take it though, as it attacks the HER2 aspect in a different way than Herceptin, and it crosses the blood brain barrier....some extra comfort for me.  I will be treated with Herceptin following my surgery.

Hi,

I had the lapatinib rash on my face.   Painful and red.  My oncologist said it is caused by sensitivity to sunlight and even light from flourescent bulbs.  He suggested I get a good spf 30 lotion and apply it several times a day.  I am on day three of this and my skin is MUCH improved.  I mosturize first then put on the suntan lotion.   It has made a world of difference. 

Hope this helps,

Thrmine

I am on Lapatinib since July.  Battle every few days with diarrhea, but no rash other than a few zits here and there.  I am also on herceptin.  I was sad when i read what Rubyluby wrote about the rash means that the lapatinib is working.  I am so tired of treatment and hoping this doesn't mean it isn't working for me.

More bad news....grrrrr.

Hello all,

I had a nasty rash on my chest after my surgery.  I used OTC Desitin.  Yes, the kind you put on the baby's bottom for diaper rash.  It is zinc oxide.  It soothed the rash and dried up the zitty looking bumps.  I am now rash free.  Hope this helps!

my2boys - I've also read there is really no correlation between the rash and effectiveness, so you should be fine :>  I do know it has done amazing things for me this last year, and I hope it does for all of you, too!!!