Dacomitinib Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Dacomitinib Tablet (Vizimpro) contains dacomitinib, a protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor used to treat adults with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have certain EGFR gene mutations and have spread to the other lung or other organs. It works by blocking EGFR signals that cancer cells need to grow. It is taken once daily as a tablet, and it carries warnings about lung inflammation, severe diarrhoea, and skin reactions.

What is Dacomitinib Tablet

Vizimpro is a targeted cancer medicine that contains dacomitinib. It belongs to a group of medicines called protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors, which are used to treat cancer by blocking signals that cancer cells need to grow.

Dacomitinib Tablet uses

• Treats adults with a type of lung cancer called non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
• Used when tests show the cancer has certain changes (mutations) in the EGFR gene and has spread to the other lung or other organs
• Can be used as the first treatment once the lung cancer has spread
• Treats EGFR-mutated metastatic NSCLC

Benefits of Dacomitinib Tablet

• Helps block signals that tell EGFR-mutated cancer cells to grow, which can slow or stop cancer growth
• In a clinical trial, people taking dacomitinib had a longer time without their cancer getting worse compared to another EGFR medicine (gefitinib)
• Targets abnormal EGFR signaling

How Dacomitinib Tablet works

Dacomitinib blocks a protein called EGFR that is found on cells. When EGFR has certain changes, it can help cancer cells grow and spread. By blocking this changed EGFR, the medicine can help cancer cells die and slow down or stop the cancer from growing.

Dacomitinib Tablet dosage

Take the tablet at about the same time each day. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. If you miss a dose or vomit after taking it, do not take an extra dose — just take the next dose at the usual time the next day. Do not stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you to. Drink plenty of liquids while taking this medicine. Wash your hands after taking your tablets, and other people should avoid direct contact with the tablets. This medicine is not for use in children or adolescents under 18 years of age.

Available forms and strengths

• Film-coated tablet (15 mg, 30 mg, 45 mg)

Side effects of Dacomitinib Tablet

Common

• Diarrhoea
• Rash, acne, itching, or dry skin
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Hair loss
• Nail problems
• Mouth sores or mouth pain
• Eye redness, dryness, or itching
• Feeling tired or weak
• Nausea or vomiting
• Altered sense of taste
• Flushed or painful palms or soles
• Cracks in the skin
• Cold-like symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat

Serious

• Inflammation of the lungs (interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis) causing breathing problems, cough, or fever — can be fatal
• Severe or ongoing diarrhoea that can cause dehydration and kidney problems — can be fatal
• Severe skin reactions including peeling, cracking, or blistering skin
• Swelling, redness, or infection under or around fingernails or toenails
• Signs of liver problems such as yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, or pale stools
• Signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Signs of a blood clot such as leg or arm swelling, pain, redness, sudden breathlessness, or chest pain

Warnings and precautions

• This medicine can cause lung inflammation (interstitial lung disease), which can be fatal. Tell your doctor right away if you have new or worsening breathing problems, cough, or fever.
• Severe diarrhoea is very common with this medicine and can lead to dangerous dehydration and kidney problems if not treated quickly.
• Skin rash and other skin reactions are common and may get worse in sunlight. Use protective clothing and sunscreen.
• This medicine can affect liver function. Periodic liver tests are recommended, and treatment may need to be stopped if liver enzyme levels rise too much.
• Avoid taking proton pump inhibitors (long-acting stomach acid reducers) while on this medicine, as they can make it less effective.
• This medicine contains lactose. People with rare hereditary problems such as galactose intolerance or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take it.
• Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant, as it may harm the unborn baby. Use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 17 days after the last dose. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant.
• Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine, because it is not known if it can harm the baby.
• No starting dose changes are needed for mild or moderate kidney problems, but there is limited information for severe kidney impairment, and none for people needing dialysis.
• No starting dose changes are needed for mild or moderate liver problems. This medicine has not been studied in people with severe liver impairment, so it is not recommended for them.
• This medicine has a minor effect on your ability to drive or use machines. If you feel tired or have eye irritation, be careful when driving or operating machinery.

Storage

• This medicine does not require any special storage conditions
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date on the carton and blister
• Keep tablets in the original package, at room temperature, away from moisture, heat and direct sunlight
• Do not throw away medicines via wastewater or household waste; ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines you no longer use
• If treatment is stopped, return any unused tablets to the hospital pharmacist

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency help if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Contact your doctor immediately if you have difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, cough (with or without mucus), or fever — these could be signs of lung inflammation that can be fatal.
• Contact your doctor immediately if you develop diarrhoea, as early treatment is important to prevent dehydration and kidney problems.
• Tell your doctor immediately if a skin rash starts or gets worse, especially if the skin is peeling or cracking, since treatment may need to be stopped.
• Tell your doctor if you notice signs of a liver problem, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or pale stools.
• If you take too much of this medicine, see a doctor or go to a hospital right away.

Alternatives

• Osimertinib
• Gefitinib
• Erlotinib