When your doctor prescribes a drug for you or a loved one to treat cancer, it's normal to feel a little scared and nervous. There are a lot of questions that come to mind, such as what the drug is, what it does, and whether there are any side effects. So today we're talking about one such specific anti-cancer drug, Dacomitinib. We'll talk about this very simply, in a way that's easy for you to understand, as if you were talking to a friend.
What kind of medicine is Dacomitinib?
Simply put, this is a 'targeted therapy' . That is, this medicine goes directly to target certain proteins that help cancer cells grow, and disrupts their function. It works like a bullet hitting the target. In this way, this medicine can stop or control the growth of cancer cells.
This drug is mainly used to treat a specific type of lung cancer called 'Non-small cell lung cancer' (NSCLC) . This drug is available on the market under the name Vizimpro.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before starting this medication, it is extremely important to inform your doctor about your complete health history. Because that information will help the doctor decide whether this medication is right for you and how to give it. Be sure to tell him/her about the following things.
- If you have a kidney problem .
- If you have any liver disease .
- If you have respiratory diseases such as difficulty breathing or asthma .
- Skin diseases or if you have sensitive skin .
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to Dacomitinib or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant, or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a mother who is breastfeeding your child .
It is very important for your safety to talk to the doctor without hiding this information.
How to use the medicine correctly?
To get the most out of this medicine, it is very important to use it correctly.
How to take the medicine
Swallow this tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or crush the tablet. Do not urinate .You can take this with or without food. But the most important thing is to take it the same way every day. For example, if you take it after a meal, take it after a meal every day. Take the medicine at the time your doctor prescribes, and at the intervals prescribed. Do not stop taking the medicine without your doctor's advice.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you suddenly forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (e.g., within a few hours), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you suspect that you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. This is an emergency, so do not delay.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Other medications you are taking can affect the way dacomitinib works. So tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including medications for other conditions, vitamins, traditional medicines, and herbal products).
| What can cause problems? | Description and instructions |
|---|---|
| Medications that should be stopped completely | Do not take medications such as Pimozide and Thioridazine with this medicine. |
| Some medicines for stomach ulcers | Medicines that reduce stomach acid, such as Omeprazole, Lansoprazole, and Famotidine, may affect the way dacomitinib works. Tell your doctor if you are taking these. |
| Some cough medicines | Problems can occur with cough medicines containing dextromethorphan. |
| Other things | Tell your doctor about any other medications, herbal products, or vitamins you are taking. Also, tell them if you smoke or drink alcohol. |
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
You will need to make some small changes to your lifestyle while undergoing this treatment. It is very important to be mindful of these things.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine. Avoid becoming pregnant for at least 17 days after stopping the medicine. This medicine can cause serious harm to an unborn baby. Also, avoid breastfeeding while taking this medicine and for 17 days after stopping it. This medicine may temporarily affect fertility. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor.
Be careful of the sun!
This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun than usual. Therefore, avoid going out in the sun as much as possible. If you do go out, wear clothing that covers your skin, use a good sunscreen, and avoid using tanning beds.
Be careful of fever and infections.
When taking this medicine, the body's ability to fight diseases (immunity) may be slightly reduced. Therefore, if you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, body aches, and sore throat , do not take painkillers such as paracetamol, aspirin, or ibuprofen on your own, but talk to your doctor immediately. Because these painkillers can suppress the fever and prevent an infection inside the body.
Feeling unwell
As with cancer treatment (chemotherapy), it is normal to feel a little uncomfortable and lifeless during targeted treatments like this. This is because these drugs also affect healthy cells to some extent. Tell your doctor about any side effects you experience. However, do not stop the treatment midway because you are uncomfortable unless your doctor tells you to stop.
Possible side effects
Like any medicine, this medicine can cause side effects. Some of these are serious, while others are not so serious.
| Side effect | What to do? |
|---|---|
| Things to report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergy (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, skin rash, itching) | Seek medical advice immediately. |
| Difficulty breathing | Seek medical advice immediately. |
| Vision changes (blurred vision, eye pain) | Seek medical advice immediately. |
| Severe diarrhea | Seek medical advice immediately. |
| Red spots on the skin | Seek medical advice immediately. |
| If it persists or is bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Constipation, nausea, vomiting | Talk to your doctor. |
| Loss of appetite, weight loss | Talk to your doctor. |
| Mouth sores | Talk to your doctor. |
| Hair loss | Talk to your doctor. |
Take-Home Message
- Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the right time, and in the right dosage.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking and any medical conditions you have.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as difficulty breathing or severe allergic reactions, seek medical advice immediately.
- Protect yourself from the sun while taking the medication.
- Avoid pregnancy and breastfeeding during treatment and for 17 days after stopping.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not give this medicine to anyone else for any reason.
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