Let's learn about Dacomitinib tablets: This information is for you, cancer patients.

Has your doctor prescribed you or someone in your family a drug called Dacomitinib for lung cancer? When that happens, it's normal to feel a little scared and curious about it. Questions like "What will happen with this?", "Are there any side effects?", "How should I take it?" come to mind. So today, we'll try to answer all those questions you have in mind, and talk about this drug in a very simple and friendly way.

What is Dacomitinib?

Simply put, dacomitinib is a specific drug used to treat lung cancer. You may know it by the brand name Vizimpro.

Now let's see how this works inside the body. Think of cancer cells as weeds that spread everywhere without control. These weeds need things like water and nutrition to spread quickly. Also, cancer cells have a special protein that helps them divide and spread quickly. It's like a switch that turns on the growth of cancer cells.

What this drug, dacomitinib, does is turn that 'switch off'. That is, it blocks the action of a protein that helps cancer cells grow and multiply. Then the cancer cells start to spread, and sometimes they can even stop. We call this type of treatment targeted therapy.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication

Before you are given dacomitinib, it is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition. This information will help determine whether this medicine is right for you and what the dosage should be. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor.

• Kidney disease: The kidneys help a lot in filtering out things like medications from our body. So if there is any weakness in the kidneys, it can affect the effectiveness of the medication.
• Liver Disease: The same goes for the liver. The liver metabolizes drugs that enter the body. If you have liver disease, your doctor should know about it.
• Lung or respiratory diseases: Tell us if you have any other respiratory diseases, such as asthma or COPD.
• Skin conditions or skin sensitivity: Some people have very sensitive skin. If you have such a condition or other skin condition, please let us know.
• Allergies: If you have an allergic reaction to any medicine, food, or dye, not just dacomitinib, please tell us without hiding it.
• If you are trying to get pregnant or are pregnant: This is very important . Getting pregnant while taking this medicine can cause serious harm to the baby.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother: This medicine is not suitable for use during breastfeeding, as it can pass to the baby through breast milk.

How exactly do you use this medicine?

To get the most out of a medicine, you need to use it as directed. The method of using this medicine is very simple.

• Swallow whole: Place this tablet in your mouth and swallow it whole with a glass of water. Never break, crush, or chew this tablet.
• Take it on time: Get in the habit of taking your medicine at the same time every day. Make it part of your daily routine.
• Before or after food?: This medicine can be taken before or after food. However, some people may experience stomach upset or nausea when taken without food. If this happens, take the medicine with food. The most important thing is to take it the same way every day (either with food or without food).
• Don't stop: Don't stop taking your medication until your doctor tells you to. It's important to complete the course of treatment, even if you feel a little uncomfortable.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

Don't worry. If you miss a dose, or if you vomit after taking a dose, forget about it completely . Take the next dose (i.e., one pill) at the next scheduled time. Never take two pills at once to make up for a missed dose.

What if you take too much medicine? (Overdosage)

If you think you have taken too much medicine, don't delay. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Otherwise, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital as soon as possible.

Other medications that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)

When you take dacomitinib, some other medications may cause unwanted effects. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).

This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the medications you take, if you smoke, or if you drink alcohol.

Things you should be careful about when taking medication

Your doctor will regularly check your health while you are taking this medicine. Also, you should be a little careful about these things.

Feeling unwell

It is normal to feel a little discomfort or pain when undergoing cancer treatment. This is because these drugs affect not only cancer cells, but also our healthy cells to some extent. That is why we feel tired and achy. But don't ignore the side effects thinking that it is normal. Tell your doctor about any discomfort. Don't stop treatment until your doctor tells you to.

Sun sensitivity

While taking this medication, your skin may become more sensitive to the sun than before. This means that your skin may become red and burn even after a short period of exposure to the sun.

• Avoid the harsh sun as much as possible.
• If you go outside, wear long-sleeved clothes and a hat.
• Ask your doctor and use a good sunscreen.
• Do not use things like sun lamps and tanning beds.

Risk of infection

This medicine may slightly weaken your body's immune system, which means you are more susceptible to illness and infection.

• If you develop symptoms such as fever, cold, or sore throat, do not self-medicate and talk to your doctor.
• Avoid crowded places and places where people with illnesses are as much as possible.
• Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap.

Be careful with painkillers.

Unless your doctor advises you to, do not take painkillers such as aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen. These medications can mask symptoms such as fever, making it harder to diagnose an infection.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

This is extremely important .

• You should avoid getting pregnant while taking this medication and for 17 days after stopping the medication . If you become pregnant during this time, your baby may have serious birth defects.
• Before starting treatment, you need to take a test to make sure you are not pregnant.
• Talk to your doctor about an appropriate birth control method during this time.
• Also, avoid breastfeeding completely while taking the medication and for 17 days after stopping .

What are the possible side effects?

Like all medicines, dacomitinib can cause some side effects, although not everybody gets them. Watch out for the following symptoms:

If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, tell your doctor about them as well.

Where are the medicines kept and protected?

• Keep away from children and pets.
• Store at a temperature between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (20-25 C), i.e. normal room temperature.
• Do not use expired medicine.
• Ask your doctor or hospital about the safest way to dispose of leftover or expired medicine.

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