Dacomitinib
About
Dacomitinib is an anti-cancer medicine used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is a common form of lung cancer in which abnormal cells grow in the lung tissues. Dacomitinib is used as a first-line therapy in the treatment of metastatic NSCLC with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletion or exon 21 L858R substitution mutations.
Dacomitinib consists of Dacominitib, which belongs to the class of medicines known as kinase inhibitors. It works by stopping the action of an enzyme (tyrosine kinase) that causes the multiplication of cancerous cells. This prevents the abnormal growth of cancer cells and thus reduces the further spread to other parts of the body.
Dacomitinib may cause certain side effects such as diarrhea, rash, nausea, vomiting, dry skin, mouth sores, nail inflammation, ache, cough, abdominal pain, hair loss, decreased appetite, decreased weight loss, and itching. These side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor. Dacomitinib should be taken as advised by your doctor. Do not take more than the recommended dose. Your doctor will decide the dose of Dacomitinib based on the severity of your condition.
Avoid taking Dacomitinib if you are allergic to it or any other components of it. Before taking Dacomitinib, inform your doctor if you have/had liver or kidney disease and lung disease other than lung cancer. This medicine is known to cause embryo-fetal toxicity. It is not recommended for use in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Elderly people are more sensitive to medicine, so the dose may have to be adjusted according to their condition.
Uses of Dacomitinib
Medicinal Benefits
Dacomitinib contains Dacominitib, which belongs to the class of medicines known as kinase inhibitors. It works by stopping the action of a tyrosine kinase enzyme that causes the multiplication of cancerous cells. This helps stop the abnormal growth of cancer cells and thus reduce the further spread to other parts of the body. In this way, Dacomitinib stops the body's production, spread and growth of cancerous cells.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Dacomitinib
- Dry skin
- Nausea
- Rash
- Pruritus (itching)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite
- Itching or skin rash
- Mouth sores
- Decreased weight loss
- Nail inflammation
- Dry, red and itchy eyes
- Abdominal pain
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Dacomitinib for the period that your doctor has prescribed. Avoid taking Dacomitinib if you are allergic to it or any other components present in it. Caution should be exercised if you have/had liver or kidney disease, eye problems, lung disease other than lung cancer, severe cough, and breathing difficulty. This medicine is known to cause embryo-fetal toxicity. Hence, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant before starting the treatment. Effective birth control pills should be used for at least 17 days after the last dose of the medicine. Dacomitinib may cause severe diarrhea, severe skin conditions, and Interstitial lung disease in some patients. Hence, inform your doctor about your complete medication and medical history before taking Dacomitinib. Breastfeeding should be discontinued in nursing mothers during the treatment as it passes into breast milk and may cause a possible risk to the infant. Avoid driving and operating machines, as this medicine may cause visual disturbances. This medicine is not recommended for use in children as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Dacomitinib may have interaction with Proton Pump Inhibitors (esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole), Cytochrome-P 450 (CYP2D6) substrate drugs (Codeine, haloperidol, aripiprazole, Nortriptyline)
Drug-Food Interaction: No interaction found.
Dug-Disease Interaction: Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, vision problems, lung disease, and breathing problems.
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
- After your treatment begins, several dietary adjustments can help you control side effects.
- Anyone suffering from a chronic illness, including cancer, should consume foods high in protein, healthy fats, whole grains, and vitamins and minerals.
- Plant-based proteins are among the greatest meals during chemotherapy or other cancer treatments. They have the highest concentrations of vitamins and minerals, such as nuts, seeds, beans and legumes.
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight.
- Include leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, fatty fish, berries, yoghurt, apples, peaches, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, beans, and herbs.
- De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath or listening to soothing music.
- Performing yoga may also help in improving both physical and mental health.
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- Get optimal sleep; rest well.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Avoid fast food, fried food, processed meats, refined carbs and added sugars.
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 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.
