When you or someone close to you is being treated for cancer, it's normal to have many questions about it. It's especially important to know about the medications you're being given. Today, we're going to talk about one such special drug, Tucatinib. In this article, we'll talk about this drug in a simple, easy-to-understand way.
What is this medicine called Tucatinib?
Simply put, Tucatinib is a drug that targets cancer cells and stops them from growing. Specifically, it deactivates certain proteins that help cancer cells grow and spread. This stops the cancer cells from dividing and growing any further.
This drug is mainly used for some advanced cases of breast cancer. It is not usually given alone. It is given in combination with several other anti-cancer treatments . It is most commonly available under the brand name TUKYSA.
Things to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medication, it is essential to know your complete medical history. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to inform your doctor.
- If you have any liver disease .
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to tucatinib or any other medicine, food, dye, or preservative.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant (we will talk about this in detail later).
- If you are a mother who is breastfeeding a child .
Based on this information, your doctor will decide whether this medicine is right for you or whether the dosage needs to be changed.
How should I use the medicine?
Using this medicine correctly is very important for the success of the treatment.
- These tablets are to be taken orally. Swallow the tablet with a glass of water.
- The most important thing is, do not break, crush, or chew the pill. Swallow the pill whole.
- This medicine can be taken with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with a meal.
- Very important: Do not take this medication with grapefruit juice. Grapefruit juice can change the way this medication works in the body.
- Take the medicine at the prescribed time and at the prescribed intervals. Do not take more than the prescribed amount.
- Do not stop taking the medication without medical advice.
What to do if you overdose on medication?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, don't 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 if I miss a dose of medicine?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (for example, less than 6 hours until your next dose), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed one.
Interactions with other drugs
Tucatinib is a drug that has a high potential for interaction with other medications. Therefore, it is extremely important to inform your doctor about all medications, vitamins, herbs, traditional medicines, and supplements you are taking.
Below are some of the drugs that may interact with Tucatinib. This is not a complete list.
| Drugs that may interact with Tucatinib | |
|---|---|
| Some medications that should never be taken with Tucatinib |
|
| Some other drugs that may interact with Tucatinib |
|
Tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs. They can also affect the way this medicine works.
Things to keep in mind during treatment
- Regular medical check-ups: See your doctor on scheduled days to check the progress of your treatment. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen.
- Pregnancy prevention: This is very important.
- Women: Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine and for one week after stopping the medicine. Talk to your doctor about birth control. If you suspect you are pregnant, tell your doctor right away.
- Men: If you are taking this medication, avoid fathering a child during treatment and for one week after stopping the medication. Also, be sure to use adequate birth control.
- This is because this medicine can cause serious harm to the unborn baby.
- Breastfeeding: Avoid breastfeeding your baby while taking this medicine and for one week after stopping.
- Possible effects on fertility: This medication may cause ovarian failure in some women and decreased sperm counts in men. This may affect fertility. If you have any concerns or concerns about this, talk to your doctor.
Side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, Tucatinib can cause side effects. Some of these can be serious and some can be common.
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Diarrhea | Severe or persistent diarrhea. |
| Symptoms of liver damage |
|
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Other common disorders |
|
Storing medicine
- Keep it safely out of the reach of children .
- Store at a temperature between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (68-77 Fahrenheit).
- Keep the medicine in the original bottle it came in. Do not remove the desiccant packet inside the bottle. It keeps the pills dry and not wet.
Take-Home Message
- Tucatinib is a drug that targets cancer cells. Always take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the right time.
- Do not break, crush, or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole.
- Avoid taking this medication with grapefruit juice altogether.
- It is imperative that you inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
- Birth control methods (both women and men) must be strictly followed during treatment and for one week after stopping.
- Tell your doctor immediately if you develop severe diarrhea or signs of liver damage (yellowing of the skin, dark urine).
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