We know that fighting cancer is not easy. But thanks to the advancements in medicine today, there are drugs that can target and treat only cancer cells. Pralsetinib is one such specific, 'targeted' drug. So, if you or a loved one has been prescribed this drug, let's talk about it in a simple, friendly way.
What kind of medicine is Pralsetinib?
Simply put, Pralsetinib is a drug that targets specific proteins that help cancer cells grow and stops them from functioning. Think of it like finding a 'switch' in a cancer cell that turns it on and off. This means that the damage to healthy cells in our body is much less.
This medicine (brand name: GAVRETO) is mainly used to treat certain types of cancer, especially those in the lung and thyroid gland . It is not a medicine for all cancers. Your doctor will decide if this medicine is right for you, depending on the type of cancer you have.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using the medicine
It is very important for your doctor to be aware of your complete health status to ensure the success of this treatment. Therefore, before starting this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- If you have a bleeding disorder .
- If you are scheduled to have surgery or have recently had surgery.
- If you have high blood pressure .
- If you have any liver disease .
- If you have lung diseases (e.g. asthma) or scarring/thickening of the lungs.
- If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding .
- If you have had an allergic reaction to this Pralsetinib medicine or any other medicine, food, or dye.
The medicine should be used in the right way.
The best results can be achieved by using this medicine correctly.
- This medicine comes in the form of a capsule. Swallow it with a glass of water.
- The most important thing is to take this on an empty stomach. That means you should take it at least an hour before or two hours after a meal . Do not take it with food.
- Do not take this medication with grapefruit juice. It may affect the effectiveness of the medication.
- Try to take your medicine at about the same time every day.
- Do not stop taking the medication or change the dosage without your doctor's advice.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is very close to your next dose (e.g., it is only a few hours away), skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for medical advice.
Special points to be aware of when taking the medicine
While you can continue with your life as usual while taking this medication, there are a few things you should be especially careful about.
Pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding
This is very important. Taking this medicine while pregnant can cause serious harm to the baby in the womb.
- Women: Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medication and for 2 weeks after stopping the medication. Talk to your doctor about using a non-hormonal birth control method.
- Men: Avoid fathering a child while you are taking this medicine and for one week after stopping the medicine.
- Breastfeeding: Avoid breastfeeding your baby while taking this medicine and for one week after stopping.
This medicine may affect fertility. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor.
Before and after surgery
This medicine may slow down the healing process after surgery. Therefore, if you are going to have surgery, you should stop taking the medicine 5 days before the surgery . You should wait at least 2 weeks after the surgery and only start taking the medicine again after the wound has healed completely. Talk to your doctor to make sure.
Protection from infections
This medicine may slightly reduce the body's ability to fight disease (immunity). Therefore,
- Stay away from people who have illnesses like fever and cold.
- If you develop symptoms such as fever, chills, or a sore throat, do not self-medicate and inform your doctor immediately.
- Do not take painkillers such as aspirin and ibuprofen without your doctor's advice, as these may suppress the fever and make it difficult to detect an infection.
Possible side effects
Like any medicine, this one can have some side effects. But not everyone gets them. Some of them are serious, so you should tell your doctor right away. Let's take a look at it.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Breathing difficulties | Difficulty breathing, chest pain, cough. |
| Bleeding symptoms | Black or bloody stools, vomiting something that looks like coffee grounds, red spots on the skin, unusual bruising, bleeding from the eyes, gums, or nose. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, loss of appetite, nausea, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, and extreme fatigue. |
| Other serious symptoms | Increased blood pressure, headache, dizziness, confusion, fever. |
| Tumor Lysis Syndrome | Vomiting, difficulty breathing, seizures, muscle pain, and weakness. |
| Things to tell your doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Common side effects | Constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, joint pain, fatigue. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
Take-Home Message
- Pralsetinib is a special drug that targets cancer cells.
- Always take this medicine on an empty stomach. Take it one hour before or two hours after a meal . Do not take it with grapefruit juice.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking and all of your medical conditions.
- Avoid pregnancy and breastfeeding completely while taking the medicine and for the prescribed period. Ask your doctor for more information about this.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects such as bleeding, difficulty breathing, or yellowing of the skin.
- Never stop taking medication or change the dosage without your doctor's advice.
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