Uses of undefined

Dacomitinib Tablet has been approved to treat non-small cell lung cancer that has spread to other organs.  

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

Dacomitinib is available as a film-coated tablet in the doses 15mg, 30mg and 45mg. The recommended dose is 45mg once a day with or without food. It is advisable to swallow the whole tablet and take them at the same time each day. Your healthcare provider may alter the dose depending on how well your body tolerates it.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

 Contact your doctor immediately if you experience shortness of breath, fever, or severe diarrhea. During the Dacomitinib Tablet treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your liver parameters to prevent serious complications. Report to your doctor if you have had a history of lung disease or other health problems. 

Precautions

Discuss with your physician before starting this treatment if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby. Since Dacomitinib has the potential to harm an unborn baby, it is essential to use an effective contraceptive and continue till 17 days after completing the treatment to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Avoid breastfeeding your baby during this treatment as it is not known if Dacomitinib passes into the breast milk.

Side Effects

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Dacomitinib Tablet are inflammation in the mouth and lips, skin problems, loss of appetite, weight loss, hair loss, nausea, vomiting, abnormal liver enzymes in blood tests, tiredness, weakness, abnormal body hair growth, etc. If you experience breathing difficulty, cough, fever, diarrhoea or skin rash, report to your doctor immediately.

Word Of Advice

Tiredness and eye irritation are pretty common occurrences in patients taking Dacomitinib Tablet. Hence, it is advisable to avoid driving or using machines during this treatment.

Frequently Asked Question

• Is Dacomitinib Tablet used as a standalone treatment in lung cancer?
• Dacomitinib Tablet is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that works as a targeted therapy for cancer. It can either be used as monotherapy or in combination with other anticancer medications to improve the overall survival rate.

• Is it safe for women to use Dacomitinib Tablet?
• While for women with reproductive potential, it is advisable to discuss with your doctor regarding the effective birth control methods during the treatment. Continue with contraception till 17 days after the last dose of Dacomitinib to prevent unwanted pregnancy.

• How does Dacomitinib work?
• Dacomitinib acts against EGFR genes, interrupts cell signalling, and arrests the growth of cancer cells.

• What are the common side effects of Dacomitinib?
• Inflammation in the mouth and lips, skin problems, loss of appetite, weight loss, hair loss, nausea, vomiting, abnormal liver enzymes in blood tests, tiredness, weakness, abnormal body hair growth are some of the most common side effects of Dacomitinib.

• When should you contact your doctor?
• Contact your doctor immediately if you experience shortness of breath, fever, or severe diarrhea.

• What should you not take during this treatment?
• Dacomitinib might interact with proton pump inhibitors (pantoprazole, rabeprazole) and H2 receptor antagonists (Ranitidine, famotidine). Discuss with your doctor before taking Dacomitinib if you are taking any of the above medications.

• Who should not take Dacomitinib?
• Children and adolescents under the age of 18 years and people diagnosed with interstitial lung disease should avoid taking Dacomitinib.