Frequently asked questions about small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and ZEPZELCA® (lurbinectedin)

Your doctor and healthcare treatment team are the best sources of information regarding your condition and treatment. Always ask them any questions you have about SCLC or your treatment.

Questions about small cell lung cancer (SCLC)

What is small cell lung cancer (SCLC)?

Lung cancer starts in the lungs. There are 2 types of lung cancer. One is called non–small cell lung cancer. The other is called small cell lung cancer, or SCLC.

SCLC tends to grow and spread quickly. That’s why it tends to respond to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. For the same reason, SCLC comes back for most people.

Learn how ZEPZELCA works >>

What causes small cell lung cancer (SCLC)?

Cancer starts when abnormal cells in the body grow out of control.
Most people with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) smoke, or used to smoke, tobacco.

If you currently smoke, talk to your doctor about help with quitting.

Learn more about SCLC >>

What is metastatic lung cancer?

Metastatic lung cancer is cancer that has spread from the lungs, where it started, to other parts of the body.

ZEPZELCA is a treatment option for adults with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) that has spread after they have received treatment with chemotherapy that contains platinum, and it did not work or is no longer working.

Learn how ZEPZELCA works >>

What can I do if small cell lung cancer (SCLC) comes back?

Small cell lung cancer usually comes back at some point even though chemotherapy often works initially. There are still treatment options when the first treatment did not work or is no longer working. Sometimes this is called second-line therapy.

ZEPZELCA is a treatment option for adults whose SCLC has spread even though they already tried cisplatin or carboplatin chemotherapy combinations.

Learn how ZEPZELCA works >>

What can I do for my emotional well-being if I have small cell lung cancer (SCLC)?

One thing you can do to feel more in control of your decisions is to learn all you can about your condition. Another way to support your well-being is by talking with others who are going through similar experiences.

Learn about support groups and good places to go for information about SCLC >>

How can I find support groups for people with small cell lung cancer (SCLC)?

A number of helpful resources and support groups for people with lung cancer are there for you.

See a list of organizations >>

Questions about ZEPZELCA

What is ZEPZELCA and who is it right for?

ZEPZELCA is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with a kind of lung cancer called small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

ZEPZELCA may be used when your lung cancer:

  • has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic), and
  • you have received treatment with chemotherapy that contains platinum, and it did not work or is no longer working

ZEPZELCA is approved based on response rate and how long the response lasted. Additional studies will further evaluate the benefit of ZEPZELCA for this use.

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

Learn how ZEPZELCA works >>

How does ZEPZELCA work and what are its benefits?

ZEPZELCA works in the body to help fight metastatic SCLC by binding to DNA, interfering with cancer cell function, and eventually causing cancer cells to die.

Results with ZEPZELCA differ depending on the individual. Talk to your doctor about any questions you have about what you can expect from treatment with ZEPZELCA.

Learn about receiving ZEPZELCA >>

Questions about receiving ZEPZELCA

How will I receive ZEPZELCA?

ZEPZELCA is usually given by infusion into a vein over 1 hour every 21 days. It can be administered in an outpatient setting when appropriate.

Learn more about receiving ZEPZELCA >>

How long will I be on treatment with ZEPZELCA?

Your doctor will decide how long you will continue treatment with ZEPZELCA. The time someone takes ZEPZELCA usually depends on how well it works for them and whether they have certain side effects.

Learn more about receiving ZEPZELCA >>

Is there anything that I could do to increase my positivity during treatment?

To stay positive during treatment, keep doing things you enjoy as much as possible. Ask your doctor about a healthy diet and what exercise might be right for you. Taking walks with a loved one can be a great way to stay active and spend time with friends and family. Talking with others going through similar experiences can also help.

Find support groups and resources for people living with lung cancer >>

Questions about side effects

What are the possible side effects of ZEPZELCA?

The most common side effects of ZEPZELCA include:

  • tiredness
  • low white and red blood cell counts
  • increased kidney function blood test (creatinine)
  • increased liver function blood tests
  • increased blood sugar (glucose)
  • nausea
  • decreased appetite
  • muscle and joint (musculoskeletal) pain
  • low level of albumin in the blood
  • constipation
  • trouble breathing
  • low levels of sodium and magnesium in the blood
  • vomiting
  • cough
  • diarrhea

These are not all of the possible side effects of ZEPZELCA.

For a more complete list of side effects, go to Side Effects and see the full Prescribing Information including Patient Information, and discuss with your doctor.

Questions about financial assistance for ZEPZELCA

Will my insurance cover ZEPZELCA?

Ask your healthcare team about your insurance coverage for ZEPZELCA. You can also contact our dedicated reimbursement specialists at JazzCares, our patient support hotline. Call 1-833-533-JAZZ (5299) Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 8 PM ET.

Learn more about JazzCares >>

Are there any financial assistance programs available?

Our patient support program, JazzCares, has dedicated specialists who are available to assist you with financial coverage options for ZEPZELCA. Contact our team at 1-833-533-JAZZ (5299) Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 8 PM ET for all questions regarding financial assistance options.

Learn more about JazzCares >>

Is there a Savings Card for ZEPZELCA?

Yes. There is a Savings Card for eligible patients who have been prescribed ZEPZELCA.

Insurance coverage and plans may vary. The JazzCares Program at Jazz Pharmaceuticals provides general information only and is not a guarantee of any coverage or reimbursement outcome. All treatment decisions rest solely with the treating physician or qualified healthcare professional.

Learn more about JazzCares support >>

WHAT IS ZEPZELCA?

ZEPZELCA® (lurbinectedin) is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with a kind of lung cancer called small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

ZEPZELCA may be used when your lung cancer:

  • has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic), and
  • you have received treatment with chemotherapy that contains platinum, and it did not work or is no longer working.

ZEPZELCA is approved based on response rate and how long the response lasted. Additional studies will further evaluate the benefit of ZEPZELCA for this use.

Important safety Information

Before receiving ZEPZELCA, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • have liver or kidney problems.
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. ZEPZELCA can harm your unborn baby.
  • Females who are able to become pregnant:
    • Your healthcare provider should do a pregnancy test before you start treatment with ZEPZELCA.
    • You should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with and for 6 months after your last dose of ZEPZELCA.
    • Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think that you are pregnant during treatment with ZEPZELCA.
    Males with female partners who are able to become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment with and for 4 months after your last dose of ZEPZELCA.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if ZEPZELCA passes into your breastmilk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with ZEPZELCA and for 2 weeks after your last dose of ZEPZELCA. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby during treatment with ZEPZELCA.
  • Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Certain other medicines may affect how ZEPZELCA works.

What should I avoid while using ZEPZELCA?

Avoid eating or drinking grapefruit, Seville oranges, or products that contain grapefruit juice and Seville oranges during treatment with ZEPZELCA.

ZEPZELCA can cause serious side effects, including:

  • Low blood cell counts. Low blood counts including low neutrophil counts (neutropenia) and low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia) are common with ZEPZELCA, and can also be severe. Some people with low white blood cell counts may get fever, or an infection throughout the body (sepsis), that can cause death. Your healthcare provider should do blood tests before you receive each treatment with ZEPZELCA to check your blood cell counts.
  • Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop:
    • fever or any other signs of infection
    • unusual bruising or bleeding
    • tiredness
    • pale colored skin
  • Liver problems. Increased liver function tests are common with ZEPZELCA and can also be severe. Your healthcare provider should do blood tests to check your liver function before you start and during treatment with ZEPZELCA.
  • Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop symptoms of liver problems including:
    • loss of appetite
    • nausea or vomiting
    • pain on the right side of your stomach area (abdomen)
  • Leakage of ZEPZELCA out of your vein during the infusion. If ZEPZELCA leaks into the tissues around your infusion site, it can cause damage and death of tissue cells around the infusion site. You may need to have surgery to remove any dead tissue. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you see any ZEPZELCA leaking out of your vein or around the catheter during your infusion, or if you notice any redness, swelling, itching or discomfort at the infusion site at any time.
  • Severe muscle problems (rhabdomyolysis). Tell your healthcare provider if you have severe muscle pain or weakness.

Your healthcare provider may temporarily stop treatment, lower your dose, or permanently stop ZEPZELCA if you develop serious side effects during treatment with ZEPZELCA.

The most common side effects of ZEPZELCA include:

  • tiredness
  • low white and red blood cell counts
  • increased kidney function blood test (creatinine)
  • increased liver function blood tests
  • increased blood sugar (glucose)
  • nausea
  • decreased appetite
  • muscle and joint (musculoskeletal) pain
  • low level of albumin in the blood
  • constipation
  • trouble breathing
  • low levels of sodium and magnesium in the blood
  • vomiting
  • cough
  • diarrhea

These are not all of the possible side effects of ZEPZELCA.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to Jazz Pharmaceuticals at 1-800-520-5568.

Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information including Patient Information, and discuss with your doctor.

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Important safety Information

Before receiving ZEPZELCA, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • have liver or kidney problems.
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. ZEPZELCA can harm your unborn baby.