DACOMITINIB
Background and Date of Approval
Dacomitinib is an anticancer agent belonging to the class of kinase inhibitors. It was approved for medical use in 2018.
Uses
Dacomitinib Tablet has been approved to treat non-small cell lung cancer that has spread to other organs.
How is it administered?
Dacomitinib is available as a film-coated tablet in the doses 15mg, 30mg and 45mg. The recommended dose is 45mg once a day with or without food. It is advisable to swallow the whole tablet and take them at the same time each day. Your healthcare provider may alter the dose depending on how well your body tolerates it.
Side Effects
The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Dacomitinib Tablet are inflammation in the mouth and lips, skin problems, loss of appetite, weight loss, hair loss, nausea, vomiting, abnormal liver enzymes in blood tests, tiredness, weakness, abnormal body hair growth, etc. If you experience breathing difficulty, cough, fever, diarrhoea or skin rash, report to your doctor immediately.
Warnings
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience shortness of breath, fever, or severe diarrhea. During the Dacomitinib Tablet treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your liver parameters to prevent serious complications. Report to your doctor if you have had a history of lung disease or other health problems.
Precautions
Discuss with your physician before starting this treatment if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby. Since Dacomitinib has the potential to harm an unborn baby, it is essential to use an effective contraceptive and continue till 17 days after completing the treatment to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Avoid breastfeeding your baby during this treatment as it is not known if Dacomitinib passes into the breast milk.
Word of Advice
Fatigue and ocular irritation occur commonly in patients taking Dacomitinib Tablet. Patients should avoid driving and operating machinery during treatment.
References
LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet], [Revised on Apr 2019] [Accessed on 10th Aug 2022], https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547996/ Pfizer Limited, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Sep 2018] [Accessed on 10th Aug 2022], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.10354.pdf Pfizer, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on Sep 2018] [Accessed on 10th Aug 2022], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/211288s000lbl.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dacomitinib Tablet used as a standalone treatment in lung cancer?
Dacomitinib Tablet is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that works as a targeted therapy for cancer. It can either be used as monotherapy or in combination with other anticancer medications to improve the overall survival rate.
Is it safe for women to use Dacomitinib Tablet?
While for women with reproductive potential, it is advisable to discuss with your doctor regarding the effective birth control methods during the treatment. Continue with contraception till 17 days after the last dose of Dacomitinib to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
How does Dacomitinib work?
Dacomitinib acts against EGFR genes, interrupts cell signalling, and arrests the growth of cancer cells.
What are the common side effects of Dacomitinib?
Inflammation in the mouth and lips, skin problems, loss of appetite, weight loss, hair loss, nausea, vomiting, abnormal liver enzymes in blood tests, tiredness, weakness, abnormal body hair growth are some of the most common side effects of Dacomitinib.
When should you contact your doctor?
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience shortness of breath, fever, or severe diarrhea.
What should you not take during this treatment?
Dacomitinib might interact with proton pump inhibitors (pantoprazole, rabeprazole) and H2 receptor antagonists (Ranitidine, famotidine). Discuss with your doctor before taking Dacomitinib if you are taking any of the above medications.
Who should not take Dacomitinib?
Children and adolescents under the age of 18 years and people diagnosed with interstitial lung disease should avoid taking Dacomitinib.