What is Vizimpro?
Vizimpro is a prescription medication used for non-small-cell lung cancer that has metastasized to other areas of the body.Vizipro can only be given if you have a tumor with a particular genetic marker.Vizimpro may be safe for children, but its effectiveness is unknown.
Warnings
Please follow all instructions on the label or package of your medication. Inform your health care providers of all medical conditions you have, any allergies, and the medicines that you are using.
Before you take this drug
Before starting the treatment, you may be required to take a pregnancy test.Avoid using Vizimpro while pregnant. Dacomitinib may harm an unborn child. Use birth control during the time you use this medication and at least for 17 days following your last dose. Inform your doctor immediately if you fall pregnant.You should not breastfeed for 17 days following your last dose of this medication.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Vizimprois is safe for you:
- Frequent diarrhea;
- Breathing problems (other lung cancer)
Similar/related drugs
Opdivo, Retevmo, Rybrevant, Lumakras, methotrexate, Keytruda, and Avastin
How to take Vizimpro?
Vizimpro should be taken exactly as directed by your physician. You will be tested by your doctor to determine the type of tumor that needs to receive dacomitinib treatment.Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes your doctor will change the dose.Take the medication either with or without food.
Do not take another Vizimpro dose if you vomit soon after taking it. Do not take another dose of Vizimpro until you have taken your scheduled next dose.Take dacomitinib with plenty of fluids.Vizimpro may cause diarrhea that can lead to dehydration and infection.
You should call your doctor immediately if you experience diarrhea after taking Vizimpro. To quickly treat diarrhea, you may have to take anti-diarrhoea medication such as Loperamide or Imodium.Keep away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for non-small cell lung cancer:
Take 45mg orally, once daily, until the disease progresses or toxicity is unacceptable.
Use: As the first line treatment for patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with epidermal-growth factor receptor (EGFR), exon 19 deletion mutations, or exon 21, L858R replacement mutations detected by FDA-approved tests
What happens if I miss the dose?
Do not take the dose you missed. Use your next dose as usual. Take no more than one dose at a time.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Vizimpro may cause allergic reactions. Avoid tanning or sunlight. Use skin-moisturizing creams. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and apply sunblock with an SPF of 30 or more.
Side effects of Vizimpro
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy to Vizimpro, seek immediate medical attention: itching, difficulty breathing, swelling in your lips, face, throat, tongue, or mouth.
If you experience:
- New or worsening respiratory problems (chest discomfort, wheezing cough, feeling of shortness of breath, etc.);
- Fever;
- Severe or ongoing diarrhea;
- If you have swelling or redness under your toenails or fingernails, it could be an infection.
- Severe skin reaction—redness or rash.
If you experience certain side effects, your cancer treatment may be halted or delayed.
Common Vizimpro side effects may include:
- Diarrhea, loss of appetite
- Weight loss;
- Itchy, rashy, or dry skin
- Redness of the eye or dryness;
- Hair loss;
- Problems with nails
- Mouth sores, mouth pain,
- Symptoms of a cold, including a stuffy nose and sneezing.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drug
Dacomitinib can be less effective if taken with certain medicines. Take your Vizimpro 6 hours or 10 hours before you take another medicine if you are taking any of these medicines:
- An antacid
- Reduces stomach acid (such as Tagamet Pepcid Zantac).
Dacomitinib may also interact with other drugs, such as prescription or over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.
