How long does it take for dacomitinib/dacomitinib (Dozerun) side effects to appear?

Dacomitinib/Dacomitinib (Dacomitinib), as a more comprehensive EGFR-targeted drug, while exerting anti-tumor effects, can also affect normal tissues such as skin and gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, the time when side effects appear has always been a matter of great concern to patients. Generally speaking, adverse reactions tend to appear in the first few weeks after the start of treatment, which is related to the drug gradually reaching a stable blood concentration and gradually deepening its impact on skin and mucosal cells.

Most patients with non-small cell lung cancer may feel little change when they first start using it, but as the concentration of the drug in the body gradually stabilizes, skin reactions such as dryness, itching, rashes, etc. will appear first. This is usually because EGFR also plays an important role in skin renewal. After being inhibited, the renewal speed slows down, resulting in dryness or rash. Mild to moderate skin reactions are relatively common during dacomitinib treatment and do not mean that the treatment is ineffective. On the contrary, they are often considered to be part of the drug's effect.

Gastrointestinal reactions such as diarrhea and loss of appetite also often occur in the initial stage, especially in the first few weeks. Most patients' symptoms will stabilize after they adapt and can be relieved through dietary adjustments and symptomatic management recommended by doctors. Some patients may worry about whether this discomfort will affect efficacy, but in fact, it has more to do with the drug inhibiting the rate of mucosal cell renewal rather than the treatment response of the tumor itself.

It should be noted that the onset time of side effects varies between individuals. Some patients will have obvious reactions within a week or two, while others may feel changes later. Regardless of whether it is early or late, in most cases there is no need to stop treatment as long as the discomfort is tolerable and improves with appropriate management. If a serious rash, watery diarrhea, or a situation that affects daily activities occurs, you should communicate with your doctor in time, and the professional will decide whether the dosage needs to be adjusted or the medication needs to be temporarily discontinued.

Reference materials:https://www.pfizer.com/products/product-detail/vizimpro