We all know that fighting cancer is not easy. During that journey, your doctor may prescribe you various medications. Futibatinib is one such targeted therapy, specifically for bile duct cancer. So, if you have been prescribed this medication, this article will help you to overcome your doubts and fears about it. Let’s talk about it simply.
What kind of medicine is Futibatinib?
Simply put, Futibatinib is a drug that blocks a specific protein that helps cancer cells grow, divide, and spread. This helps control or even stop the spread of cancer cells. This is a very important treatment for some patients with bile duct cancer.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
It is very important for your doctor to know your complete health history before prescribing this medication. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor.
- If you have high phosphorus levels in your blood .
- If you have any vision problems .
- If you have had an allergic reaction to futibatinib or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant, or are expecting a baby .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
Based on this information, it will be easier for the doctor to decide whether this medication is right for you or not.
How should I use this medicine?
Following the exact instructions for using this medicine is very important for the success of the treatment.
- This medicine comes in the form of tablets. Try to take it at the same time every day , as prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet. Swallow the tablet whole with water.
- You can take this with or without food. However , if you have an upset stomach, it is best to take it with a meal .
- Very important: Even if you experience side effects, never stop taking this medicine or change the dosage without your doctor's advice. If you have any problems, tell your doctor right away.
- Another special thing is to avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medicine.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, do not panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is less than 12 hours until your next dose (i.e., more than 12 hours late), skip the missed dose and take your next pill at the regular time. Never take two pills at once to make up for the missed dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Futibatinib can interact with other medications and herbal products you are taking. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking. Below are some of them.
| Type of medicine/substance | Examples |
|---|---|
| Some antibiotics | Clarithromycin, Rifampin, Telithromycin |
| Some antiviral drugs for HIV | (Ask the doctor) |
| Medicines for fungal infections | Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Posaconazole |
| Medicines for epilepsy/ seizures | Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin |
| Other anticancer drugs | Apalutamide, Tucatinib |
| Herbal products | St. John's Wort |
| Other materials | Grapefruit, Lonafarnib, Lumacaftor; ivacaftor |
This list is not exhaustive. So tell your doctor about every medication, vitamin, and herbal remedy you take. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
Scheduled medical tests
Your doctor will need to see you regularly to monitor your health while you are taking this medicine. He or she will also order blood tests to check things like your blood phosphorus levels. It may take some time for the effects of the treatment to show.
Changes in the eyes
This medicine may cause dry eyes in some people. If you wear contact lenses, this may be uncomfortable. In such cases, ask your doctor about lubricating eye drops. Also, your eyesight may be checked before and during treatment. If you notice any changes, such as blurred vision or black spots, tell your doctor immediately.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
This is a very important point.
- You should avoid getting pregnant while taking this medicine and for one week after stopping the medicine . It can cause serious harm to the unborn baby. Talk to your doctor about suitable birth control.
- Also, avoid breastfeeding completely during this time.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Futibatinib can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are mild.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat |
| Eye problems | Blurred vision, loss of vision, objects appearing blurry, dark or bright spots |
| High phosphorus level | Muscle or joint pain, muscle twitching, numbness around the mouth |
| Things to tell your doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Constipation or diarrhea | Stomach pain, change in bowel habits |
| Dry mouth, fatigue | Excessive fatigue and tiredness |
| Bone, joint, or muscle pain | Body injuries |
| Changes in nails | Changes in the shape, thickness, or color of the nails, or the nails coming away from the base |
Take-Home Message
- Futibatinib is a specific treatment for bile duct cancer.
- Take your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the right time. Never stop taking your medicine or change the dosage without your doctor's advice.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
- If you notice any changes in your vision, don't ignore it. Tell your doctor right away.
- Avoid pregnancy and breastfeeding completely while taking this medicine and for one week after stopping.
- If you suspect an overdose, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU).
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