Frequently asked questions about small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and ZEPZELCA
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 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. However, SCLC comes back for most people.
Cancer starts when abnormal cells in the body grow out of control. Most people with SCLC smoke, or used to smoke, tobacco.
If you currently smoke, talk to your doctor about help with quitting.
ES-SCLC means the cancer has spread widely throughout the lung, to the other lung, to lymph notes on the other side of the chest, or to other parts of the body.
Metastatic lung cancer is cancer that has spread from the lungs, where it started, to other parts of the body.
Questions about treating SCLC
The first course of therapy for ES-SCLC is usually chemotherapy (carboplatin + etoposide or cisplatin + etoposide) combined with immunotherapy. Chemotherapy works by attacking cells that divide and spread rapidly, which makes it ideal for SCLC. Immunotherapy works by stimulating or boosting your immune system to help target cancer cells.
After chemotherapy + immunotherapy, the next step may be maintenance therapy. In this phase, you’ll keep getting immunotherapy, like atezolizumab, along with another medicine, such as ZEPZELCA.
SCLC 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 to other parts of the body (metastatic), and have received treatment with chemotherapy that contains platinum, and it did not work or is no longer working. This indication is approved based on response rate and how long the response lasted. Additional studies will further evaluate the benefit of ZEPZELCA for this use.
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
A number of helpful resources and support groups for people with lung cancer are there for you.
Questions about ZEPZELCA
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 in combination with atezolizumab as maintenance treatment when your lung cancer:
- is a type called "extensive stage," which means it has spread or grown, and
- has not progressed after the first course of treatment with atezolizumab and the chemotherapy medicines carboplatin and etoposide
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.
ZEPZELCA works in the body to help fight small cell lung cancer (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.
Questions about receiving ZEPZELCA
ZEPZELCA is given by infusion into a vein, usually over 1 hour every 21 days. It can be administered in an outpatient setting when appropriate. For patients who are prescribed ZEPZELCA + atezolizumab, ZEPZELCA and atezolizumab can be administered on the same day.
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.
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
The most common side effects of ZEPZELCA given alone 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
The most common side effects of ZEPZELCA given with atezolizumab include:
- low white and red blood cell counts
- nausea
- tiredness or weakness
These are not all of the possible side effects of ZEPZELCA. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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
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.
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.
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.
