Dacomitinib (Dacomitinib) Instructions, Indications, Usage and Dosage, Side Effects

Indications: Dacomitinib is indicated for the treatment of disseminated (metastatic) non-small cell lung cancer in patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletion or exon 21 L858R substitution mutations. Before you receive this drug, your doctor will use tests to check for mutations.

Mechanism of Action: Dacomitinib is an irreversible inhibitor of the kinase activity of the human EGFR family (EGFR/HER1, HER2, and HER4) and certain EGFR activating mutations (exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R substitution mutations). Dacomitinib also inhibits the activities of DDR1, EPHA6, LCK, DDR2, and MNK1 at clinically relevant concentrations in vitro.

Dosage: Dacomitinib is available as an oral tablet. The recommended dose is 45 mg orally once daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Dacomitinibcan be taken with food or alone and should be taken at the same time every day. If the patient vomits or misses a dose, do not take an additional dose or make up a missed dose. Instead, continue with the next scheduled dose.

SIDE EFFECTS: Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Dacomitinib may cause serious side effects. Contact your doctor right away if you have: new or worsening breathing problems (chest pain, wheezing, cough, shortness of breath); fever; severe or persistent diarrhea; swelling, redness, or infection under or around fingernails or toenails; or a severe skin reaction—dry skin, redness, rash, acne, itching, peeling, or blistering. If you experience certain side effects, your cancer treatment may be delayed or permanently stopped.

Common side effects of dacomitinib may include: diarrhea, loss of appetite; weight loss; rash, itching, dry skin; red, dry, or itchy eyes; hair loss; nail problems; mouth sores, mouth pain; or cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat. This is not a complete list of side effects, and other side effects may occur.

NOTES: Your doctor will make sure you have the right type of tumor for treatment with dacomitinib. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read any medication guides or inserts. Your doctor may sometimes change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Take your medicine at the same time every day, whether with or without food. Drink plenty of fluids while taking dacomitinib. If you vomit soon after taking dacomitinib, do not take another dose. Wait until your next scheduled dose before taking your medication. Dacomitinib can cause severe diarrhea, which may be life-threatening if dehydration or infection results. If you develop diarrhea while taking dacomitinib: Contact your doctor immediately. You may need to start taking an anti-diarrhea medication such as loperamide (Imodium) to treat diarrhea quickly.

Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.