Fruquintinib side effects

Fruquintinib is a multi-target small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor used to treat patients with advanced gastric cancer or colorectal cancer. Although fruquintinib has demonstrated potential efficacy in cancer treatment, patients may experience a range of side effects while using the drug, which require attention. The following will introduce the side effects of fruquintinib in detail to help patients better understand possible adverse reactions and how to deal with them during medication.

1. Fatigue: Patients may experience fatigue during treatment with fruquintinib. This side effect may affect the patient's daily life and activities. Patients should take adequate rest during medication to avoid overexertion. If necessary, the rest time can be appropriately increased with the advice of a doctor.

2. Loss of Appetite: Loss of appetite is another common side effect. Sufferers may feel that food loses its appeal, resulting in less food intake. In this case, patients are advised to use divided meals and choose easily digestible foods to ensure adequate nutritional intake. Doctors may recommend appropriate nutritional supplements to help patients maintain good nutritional status.

3. Hypertension: Fruquintinib's inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) may lead to hypertension. Patients should monitor their blood pressure regularly during medication and take necessary measures to regulate it under the advice of their doctor. Sometimes, doctors may need to adjust the dose of fruquintinib or combine it with other medications to control high blood pressure.

4. Hand-foot syndrome: Hand-foot syndrome is a symptom of redness, swelling, pain, and scaling of the palms and soles of the hands due to toxic effects. Patients may experience this side effect while taking the medication. Patients are advised to keep their hands and feet clean, avoid using hot water for washing, use mild detergents, and use appropriate moisturizers as recommended by their doctor. If symptoms worsen, patients should inform their doctor promptly.

5. Gastrointestinal reactions: The use of fruquintinib may cause a series of gastrointestinal reactions, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. Patients should follow the doctor's advice during medication, pay attention to dietary hygiene, eat a light diet, and avoid eating too much greasy and irritating food. If significant gastrointestinal discomfort occurs, patients should promptly consult a physician for further guidance.

6. Abnormal liver function: Fruquintinib may have a certain impact on liver function, manifested by increased liver enzymes. During the medication period, the doctor will regularly monitor the patient's liver function indicators. If there are any abnormalities, the medication regimen may need to be adjusted or other treatments may be performed. Patients should avoid alcohol and medications that may place additional burden on the liver.

7. Coagulation abnormalities: Patients may experience coagulation abnormalities due to the inhibitory effect of fruquintinib on blood vessel growth. During the medication, the doctor will monitor the patient's coagulation function. If there are any abnormalities, the treatment plan may need to be adjusted. Patients should avoid using drugs that affect coagulation during medication and pay close attention to signs of bleeding tendency.

8. Myelosuppression: The use of fruquintinib may cause bone marrow suppression, manifested as thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, etc. Doctors will regularly check the patient's blood routine indicators. If there are any abnormalities, the medication regimen may need to be adjusted. Patients should avoid injuries, pay attention to oral hygiene, and avoid infection during medication.

In general, the side effects of fruquintinib mainly involve multiple systems, including the digestive system, circulatory system, skin, etc. Patients should pay close attention to changes in their condition during medication and promptly report discomfort to the doctor so that appropriate treatment measures can be taken. During the period of medication, patients should maintain close communication with their doctors and jointly develop an appropriate treatment plan to ensure effective cancer treatment while minimizing the side effects of the medication.

Fruquintinib is a drug developed in Hong Kong, China. It has been approved for marketing by the State Food and Drug Administration and has been included in medical insurance. Patients can buy it in domestic hospital pharmacies at a price of about one to two thousand. For specific prices, please consult the local hospital pharmacy.