Vizimpro
Vizimpro (dacomitinib) is one of the first-choice medications used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has spread. Specifically, it’s for people with certain genetic changes in the epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene. Vizimpro (dacomitinib) is conveniently taken by mouth once a day. It commonly causes diarrhea and skin reaction, which can be bothersome.
What is Vizimpro (dacomitinib)?
What is Vizimpro (dacomitinib) used for?
Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with changes in the EGFR gene
How Vizimpro (dacomitinib) works
EGFR is a protein that’s involved in cell growth. It’s found in both normal and cancer cells. But cancer cells usually have more EGFR proteins than normal cells. Some people with NSCLC have changes in the EGFR gene (specifically, an exon 19 deletion mutation or the L858R exon 21 substitution).
Vizimpro (dacomitinib) is a kinase inhibitor. It targets EGFR proteins made by these mutated EGFR genes. When EGFR is blocked by Vizimpro (dacomitinib), the cancer cells can’t grow and spread as well.
Drug Facts
What are the side effects of Vizimpro (dacomitinib)?
Common Side Effects
- Diarrhea (87%)
- Rash (69%)
- Nail infection (64%)
- Painful sores inside the mouth and throat (45%)
- Low red and white blood cell counts (up to 44%)
- Low albumin levels (44%)
- Higher liver enzyme levels (up to 40%)
- High blood sugar (36%)
- Low electrolyte levels (up to 33%)
- Loss of appetite (31%)
- Dry skin (30%)
- Weight loss (26%)
- Hair loss (23%)
- Itchy skin (21%)
- Cough (21%)
Other Side Effects
- Pain in arms and legs
- Constipation
- Trouble breathing
- Lack of energy
- Infection of your sinuses or throat
- Muscle, joint, and bone pain
- Trouble sleeping
- Chest pain
- Pink eye
- Nausea
- Nose bleeds or inflammation and sores inside the nose
- Swelling or blisters on the hands and feet
Serious Side Effects
- Serious lung problems: dry cough, fever, trouble breathing, fast or shallow breathing, chest pain
- Severe diarrhea
Source: DailyMed
The following side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Dry cough, shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
- Severe or prolonged diarrhea
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Change in nail shape, thickness, or color
- Dry skin
- Hair loss
- Loss of appetite with weight loss
- Nausea
- Pain, redness, or swelling with sores inside the mouth or throat
Pros and cons of Vizimpro (dacomitinib)
Pros
Taken by mouth once a day
Can be taken with or without food
One of the recommended treatment option for NSCLC with changes in the EGFR gene
Cons
Only available as a brand medication, so it might be expensive
Commonly causes diarrhea and rash
Raises risk of serious lung problems
Pharmacist tips for Vizimpro (dacomitinib)
Take Vizimpro (dacomitinib) with or without food at the same time every day. Swallow the tablet whole so that the medication works properly. Don’t cut, chew, or crush the tablet.
If you miss a dose of Vizimpro (dacomitinib), or vomit after taking a dose, don’t take another dose. Take your next dose at the normally scheduled time.
If you need a medication to lower stomach acid, talk with your healthcare provider. You can't take proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole (Prilosec) and pantoprazole (Protonix), with Vizimpro (dacomitinib) because they interact with each other. You might be able to take other medications, such as famotidine (Pepcid), instead. If you do, you'll need to take Vizimpro (dacomitinib) at least 6 hours before or 10 hours after taking famotidine (Pepcid).
Vizimpro (dacomitinib) commonly causes diarrhea. Let your provider know right away if you experience diarrhea. It’s important to stay hydrated if you experience diarrhea so you don’t lose too much fluids and electrolytes.
Because skin reactions are common in people taking Vizimpro (dacomitinib), start using a skin moisturizer when you begin your treatment. This can help lessen some of the skin irritations Vizimpro (dacomitinib) might cause.
Store Vizimpro (dacomitinib) out of the way from children or pets so that they don't accidentally touch or eat it. Ask your provider or pharmacist about the best way to handle and throw away Vizimpro (dacomitinib) safely. Anticancer medications can be very harmful to people who handle or come into contact with them.
Frequently asked questions about Vizimpro (dacomitinib)
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What are the risks and warnings for Vizimpro (dacomitinib)?
Vizimpro (dacomitinib) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Lung problems
Although rare, Vizimpro (dacomitinib) can cause serious lung problems, like inflammation of your lungs or interstitial lung disease (ILD). Sometimes, this can be life-threatening. If you develop lung problems, your provider will tell you to stop Vizimpro (dacomitinib) treatment. Let your provider know if you have any new or worsening breathing problems, such as dry cough, trouble breathing, taking fast or shallow breaths.
Diarrhea
Vizimpro (dacomitinib) causes diarrhea in most people. In some cases, this can be life-threatening. If you develop any diarrhea, let your provider know right away. They might have you stop taking Vizimpro (dacomitinib) for a little while or lower your dose, until you no longer have loose bowel movements. In the meantime, your provider will tell you to drink more fluids to stay hydrated. They might also prescribe you an anti-diarrhea medication, such as loperamide (Imodium A-D) to help stop your diarrhea.
Skin problems
Risk factors: Sun exposure
People taking Vizimpro (dacomitinib) commonly experienced skin reactions, such as dry skin, redness, rash, and peeling or blistering skin. Your risk for these reactions is higher if you spend more time under the sun. Before you start Vizimpro (dacomitinib) treatment, your provider will recommend for you to add a moisturizer to your skin routine and to limit the amount of time you spend in the sun. If you develop any skin reactions, your provider might ask you stop taking Vizimpro (dacomitinib) for a little while until your skin heals, then restart treatment at a lower dose. They can also give you antibiotics or steroids that you can apply to the skin to help alleviate symptoms. Tell your provider if you have any symptoms of skin reactions.
Harm to unborn baby
Vizimpro (dacomitinib) hasn’t been studied in human pregnancies, but animal studies show that it can cause harm to unborn babies if taken by mothers during pregnancy. If you're able to become pregnant, you should use birth control while you’re receiving Vizimpro (dacomitinib) and for at least 17 days after your last dose. Let your provider know right away if you become pregnant during this time.
Vizimpro (dacomitinib) dosage forms
Typical dosing for Vizimpro (dacomitinib)
The typical dose is to take 45 mg by mouth once daily.
What are alternatives to Vizimpro (dacomitinib)?
Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with changes in the EGFR gene
Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with specific EGFR mutations
Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in certain adults
Advanced, unresectable, or metastatic pancreatic cancer, in combination with gemcitabine (Gemzar)
What is the latest news about Vizimpro (dacomitinib)?
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