Dacomitinib
About Dacomitinib
Dacomitinib is a prescription medicine used to treat a specific type of advanced lung cancer known as non-small cell lung cancer. It is specifically prescribed for patients whose tumour cells have certain abnormal epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) proteins.
To get the best results, you must take this medicine consistently once every day at the same time, either with or without food. Maintaining a balanced diet, staying well-hydrated, and avoiding direct sun exposure can support your body during this treatment.
While taking this medicine, you may experience common side effects like diarrhoea, skin rash, dry skin, or nail changes. It is crucial to contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience severe diarrhoea, sudden breathing difficulties, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.
Do not take this if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in this medicine. Before starting, tell your doctor if you have a history of lung inflammation, liver disease, or frequent severe diarrhoea.
This medicine can interact with certain acid-reducing medications, which can make it less effective. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use this medication as it may harm the baby, and elderly individuals should use it under close medical supervision. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you take other medications, smoke, or drink alcohol regularly.
Uses of Dacomitinib
Medicinal Benefits
Dacomitinib is a targeted cancer medicine used to treat certain types of non-small cell lung cancer with specific epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. It works by blocking signals that cancer cells use to grow and multiply, helping slow disease progression.
- Helps Control Cancer Growth: Blocks EGFR signalling pathways involved in the growth and multiplication of cancer cells.
- Delays Disease Progression: Helps slow the growth or spread of certain EGFR-mutated lung cancers, potentially extending the period before the disease worsens.
- Supports Tumour Control: By interfering with cancer cell signalling, it may help reduce or stabilise tumour growth in eligible patients.
- Provides Targeted Treatment: Specifically targets abnormal EGFR signalling, offering a treatment approach tailored to cancers with certain EGFR mutations.
- Convenient Oral Treatment: Taken as an oral tablet, allowing treatment to be administered at home without the need for routine intravenous chemotherapy infusions.
Directions for Use
- Dacomitinib can be taken with or without food as advised by your doctor.
- It is recommended to take Dacomitinib once daily or as advised by your doctor.
- Swallow Dacomitinib as a whole with a full glass of water.
- Do not chew, crush, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Dacomitinib
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Diarrhoea
- Skin rash, dry skin, or acne-like breakouts
- Nail redness, swelling, or pain
- Mouth sores or painful ulcers
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Severe or persistent diarrhoea, especially if it leads to dehydration
- New or worsening breathing problems, cough, or fever
- Signs of liver damage, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe right-sided stomach pain
- Severe skin peeling, blistering, or painful rashes that cover a large area of your body
- Severe allergic reactions, including swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Watch for lung symptoms: Seek immediate emergency medical care if you develop sudden shortness of breath, a dry cough, or a fever, as these can be signs of serious lung inflammation.
- Avoid PPI acid reducers: Do not take proton pump inhibitors (such as omeprazole or pantoprazole) while taking Dacomitinib, as they can significantly lower the absorption and effectiveness of your cancer medicine.
- Monitor your liver: Your doctor will perform regular blood tests to check for signs of liver damage while you are taking this medicine.
- Use reliable birth control: Both men and women should use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 17 days after the final dose to prevent pregnancy.
- Report skin changes: Let your healthcare team know at the first sign of a rash or skin irritation so they can help you manage it before it becomes severe.
Drug Interactions
Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines before using Dacomitinib:
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Medicines like omeprazole, lansoprazole, or esomeprazole lower stomach acid, which drastically reduces how much of Dacomitinib your body can absorb. Avoid these during treatment.
- H2 Blockers and Antacids: Medications like famotidine or calcium carbonate can interfere with absorption. Take them at least 2 hours before or 10 hours after your Dacomitinib dose.
- CYP2D6 Substrates: This medicine can increase the levels of certain drugs processed by the liver (such as certain antidepressants or heart medicines), potentially raising the risk of their side effects.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is unknown whether alcohol may interact with Dacomitinib. However, as a precautionary measure, it is advisable not to take or limit alcohol. Consult your doctor for more information.
Pregnancy
unsafeDacomitinib is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may cause embryo-fetal toxicity and harm your foetus. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before taking Dacomitinib. You should not become pregnant while you are taking Dacomitinib and for at least 17 days after your last dose.
Breast Feeding
unsafeIt is not known whether Dacomitinib is present in human milk. However, you should not breastfeed while taking this medicine and, for 17 days after your last dose.
Driving
unsafeDacomitinib may cause blurred vision as a side effect. Hence, try to avoid driving, operating machinery, or engaging in any activity that needs clear vision until you are able to see clearly while you are on treatment with Dacomitinib.
Liver
cautionIf you have mild to moderate liver problems, inform your doctor before taking Dacomitinib. The dose of this medicine has to be adjusted in case you have severe liver disease.
Kidney
cautionInform your doctor before receiving Dacomitinib if you have a history of kidney diseases. No dose adjustments are required in mild to moderate renal impairment.
Children
unsafeDacomitinib is not recommended for children as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Manage diarrhoea early: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, clear broths, or electrolyte solutions. Keep anti-diarrhoea medication on hand as recommended by your doctor.
- Protect your skin: Use a gentle, alcohol-free moisturiser twice daily. Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and protective clothing when outdoors, as this medicine makes your skin highly sensitive to sunlight.
- Gentle nail care: Keep your nails trimmed straight across. Avoid biting your nails or cutting your cuticles, and wear protective gloves when doing dishes or cleaning.
- Soothe your mouth: Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and rinse your mouth regularly with a salt and baking soda solution. Avoid spicy, acidic, or very hot foods that can irritate mouth sores.
Special Advise
- Avoid being under the sun for a long time, as prolonged duration of sun exposure may cause serious hypersensitivity reactions.
- Your doctor may suggest blood tests to check for any changes in the patient during the treatment period.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): Lung cancer is defined as an Uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells in one or both lungs. These abnormal cells do not carry out normal lung cell functions and do not develop into healthy lung tissue. There are different forms of lung cancer. The most common form of lung cancer is non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It happens when cells that form the lining of the lung start growing uncontrollably. Cancerous cells of the lung spread off and travel through the bloodstream to distant regions of the body and grow. It is mostly seen in persons who smoke. Symptoms may include chest pain, weight loss, hoarseness, and difficulty breathing.
FAQs
Dacomitinib is used to treat Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Dacomitinib contains Dacominitib, which works by stopping the action of a tyrosine kinase enzyme that causes the multiplication of cancerous cells.
The most common sign of lung cancer is a cough that lasts long and gets worse with time. Sometimes, a patient may notice blood in the cough. Chest pain is also a sign of lung cancer, followed by coughing.
Yes, you can take Dacomitinib with or without food. It is important to take it at the same time every day to maintain consistent medicine levels in your body. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you experience nausea.
Skin rashes are very common with this medicine. Apply a mild, fragrance-free moisturiser daily and avoid direct sun exposure. Contact your doctor immediately if the rash becomes painful, blistered, or covers a large area.
Yes, but timing is critical. Take local antacids at least 2 hours before or 10 hours after taking Dacomitinib to ensure your body can absorb the cancer medicine properly. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for specific advice.
You should continue taking Dacomitinib for as long as your doctor prescribes it, which is typically until the cancer starts growing again or if you experience side effects that cannot be managed. Never stop taking it without consulting your healthcare team.
Yes, some patients may experience mild hair thinning or hair loss during treatment. If this concerns you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about gentle hair care strategies.
While there is no direct interaction, alcohol can worsen side effects like dehydration from diarrhoea or liver strain. It is best to limit or avoid alcohol during cancer treatment. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what is safe for you.
No, Dacomitinib can cause harm to an unborn baby. You must use highly effective birth control during treatment and for at least 17 days after your last dose. If you suspect you are pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.
Regular blood tests are necessary to monitor your liver function and check for signs of liver damage or other changes in your body. Always attend your scheduled lab appointments and talk to your doctor about your results.
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