Let's simply learn about Entrectinib capsules, which are used to treat cancer.

Has your doctor prescribed Entrectinib for you or a loved one as part of their cancer treatment? You probably have a lot of questions about what this drug is, what it does, and what precautions you should take while using it. Don't worry. Let's talk about it all in simple terms. It usually comes under the brand name Rozlytrek.

What exactly is Entrectinib?

Simply put, Entrectinib is a special drug that is used to treat certain types of cancer. There is a special protein in our body that helps cancer cells grow, divide, and spread. Think of cancer cells as just weeds. If you stop these weeds from getting water and nutrition, they will die. So, what this drug does is block the protein that helps cancer cells grow. To be precise, it interrupts the message that goes to that protein. Then the ability of cancer cells to divide and spread throughout the body is reduced, or it stops completely. This is the main action of this drug.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication

Before giving you this medicine, your doctor should know your complete health history. This medicine may interact with some medical conditions. Therefore, if you have any of the following, be sure to tell your doctor. Don't hide anything, even a small one.

The correct way to use the medicine

Using this medicine correctly is very important for the success of the treatment.

• How to take: Swallow this tablet whole with a glass of water. Never break, crush, or chew the tablet.
• If you have difficulty swallowing the pill: Sometimes you may have difficulty swallowing the pill. In such a case, you can carefully open the cover of the pill, mix the medicine powder in a little water or milk at room temperature, and drink it. But before doing so, ask your doctor how much water or milk you should take and how much of the mixture you should drink. You should wait about 15 minutes after mixing and then drink it.
• Before or after food?: This medicine can be taken with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with a meal.
• Regular time: Make it a habit to take your medicine at the same time every day. This will help keep the concentration of the medicine in your blood at the same level.
• Important: Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking this medication. It may affect the effectiveness of the medication.
• Dosage changes: If you experience side effects, your doctor may change your dosage or tell you to stop taking the medication for a while. Never change your dosage or stop taking the medication on your own without your doctor's advice.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

Sometimes we forget to take our medicine. If that happens, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is less than 12 hours before your next dose, skip the missed dose. Just take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.

What if I take too much medicine?

If you think you have taken too much medicine, that is, an overdose, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Unit (ETU) immediately . Alternatively, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

Other medications that may interact with Entrectinib

It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, not just the ones prescribed by your doctor, but also any over-the-counter pain relievers, vitamins, Ayurvedic medicines, herbal remedies, and traditional medicines. Some medications can interact with Entrectinib and increase side effects or decrease its effectiveness.

In particular, it is not recommended to take Entrectinib with the following medications:

• Dronedarone
• Pimozide
• Thioridazine

In addition, this medicine may interact with the following:

• Grapefruit juice
• Other medications that affect heart rate (e.g., some anti-fungal, antibiotic medications)

This list is not complete. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking so that he or she can tailor your treatment plan accordingly.

Things you should be careful about when taking medication

During cancer treatment, our lives will undergo a number of small changes. It's important to be aware of them.

• Feeling sick: It's normal to feel sick and tired because cancer drugs can also affect healthy cells. However, tell your doctor about any side effects you experience. Don't stop treatment because you're sick unless your doctor tells you to.
• Blood tests: Your blood count should be checked regularly while taking this medication. Therefore, get your blood work done regularly as prescribed by your doctor.
• Vision: If you notice any changes in your vision (such as blurred vision, double vision), tell your doctor immediately .
• Risk of infection: This medicine may slightly reduce your body's immunity. This means that you are more likely to get sick. If you experience symptoms such as fever, cold, cough, or sore throat, do not self-medicate and seek medical advice. Avoid going to crowded places and being near sick people as much as possible.
• Fever-reducing medications: Do not take medications like aspirin, paracetamol, and ibuprofen without your doctor's advice. These can suppress your fever and make it difficult to determine if you have an infection.
• Dizziness and Attention: This medication may slightly reduce your attention and reaction speed. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medication affects you. To reduce the feeling of dizziness, get up slowly when getting up from a sitting or lying position.
• Pregnancy, birth control, and breastfeeding: This is a very important section.
• For women: Getting pregnant while taking this medicine can cause serious birth defects in your baby. Therefore, you will be tested to make sure you are not pregnant before starting the medicine. You should use a highly effective form of birth control while you are taking the medicine and for 5 weeks after you stop taking the medicine. Talk to your doctor about the method that is right for you.
• For men: If your partner is of childbearing potential, you must use a condom during sexual intercourse while taking this medication and for 3 months after stopping the medication.
• Breastfeeding: Avoid breastfeeding your baby while taking this medicine and for 7 days after stopping the medicine.

Side effects that may occur due to medication

Like any medicine, Entrectinib can cause side effects. Not everyone gets them. However, it is important to be aware of them.

How do you keep your medicine safe?

• Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets .
• Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius).
• Protect from moisture. Therefore, keep it in the original bottle, with the lid tightly closed.
• Do not use expired medicine.

If you need to dispose of expired or no longer needed medication, crush it, mix it with something like used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, put it in a bag, seal it tightly, and throw it in the trash. Never flush it down the toilet. If you're not sure, ask your doctor.