Dacomitinib is used to treat a certain type of lung
cancer (non-small cell lung cancer). It works by slowing or stopping the
growth of cancer cells.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start taking dacomitinib and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually once daily.
Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each
day.
If you vomit up a dose, do not take another dose then.
Take your next dose at the regular time.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and
response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more
often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any
faster, and your risk of serious side effects will
increase.
Avoid certain drugs that reduce stomach acid/heartburn
(proton pump inhibitors-PPIs such as lansoprazole, omeprazole) during
treatment with dacomitinib. You may take antacids if needed during
treatment with this medication. If you are also taking certain other drugs
that reduce stomach acid/heartburn (H2 blockers such as famotidine,
ranitidine), take dacomitinib at least 6 hours before or 10 hours after
taking an H2 blocker.
Mouth sores, decreased appetite, weight loss,
swelling/infection around your nails, or dry skin may occur. Use a
moisturizer for dry skin as soon as you start treatment with this
medication. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
Temporary hair loss may occur. Normal hair growth should
return after treatment has ended.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Diarrhea is a common side effect. Drink plenty of fluids
as directed by your doctor to lessen your risk of dehydration. Your doctor
may prescribe anti-diarrhea medication (such as loperamide) to control your
symptoms. Tell your doctor right away if you have:
- diarrhea that doesn't stop or is severe
- signs of dehydration (such as unusual decreased urination,
unusual dry mouth/thirst, fast heartbeat,
dizziness/lightheadedness)
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- signs of a new/worsening lung problem (such as shortness of
breath, cough, fever)
Dacomitinib can commonly cause a rash that is usually
not serious. However, you may not be able to tell it apart from a rare rash
that could be a sign of a severe reaction. Get medical help right away if
you develop any rash.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking dacomitinib, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history.
This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun.
Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use
sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor
right away if you get sunburned or have skin
blisters/redness.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using dacomitinib.
Dacomitinib may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor should order a pregnancy
test before you start this medication. Ask about reliable forms of birth
control while using this medication and for at least 17 days after the last
dose. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the
risks and benefits of this medication.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this medication and for at least 17 days after the
last dose. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
See also How to Use section.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
are:
- certain drugs that reduce stomach acid/heartburn (proton pump
inhibitors-PPIs such as lansoprazole, omeprazole)
This medication can slow down the removal of other
medications from your body, which may affect how they work. Examples of
affected drugs include dextromethorphan, pimozide, thioridazine, among
others.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests may be done while you are
taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab
appointments.
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.