VIZIMPRO (Dacomitinib)

What is this medication?

VIZIMPRO (Dacomitinib)
Antineoplastic Agent, Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Inhibitor, Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor

VIZIMPRO (Dacomitinib) is indicated for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.

How does this medication work?

VIZIMPRO (Dacomitinib) is an irreversible epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor which has activity against EGFR/HER1, HER2, and HER4, as well as some EGFR-activating mutations (exon 19 deletion or exon 21 L858R substitution mutation). Dacomitinib displays antitumor activity against by inhibiting autophosphorylation against HER family targets including mutated EGFR.

How should I take this medication?

Oral: Take 45mg once daily.

How to Take: Take at the same time each day with or without food. Avoid the concomitant use of proton pump inhibitors with dacomitinib. If using an H2 blocker or antacid, administer Dacomitinib at least 6 hours before or 10 hours after the H2 blocker or antacid.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Before starting VIZIMPRO (Dacomitinib) make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take.  Dacomitinib causes dermatologic toxicity, gastrointestinal toxicity and pulmonary toxicity.  Prior to using Dacomitinib confirm the presence of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations in tumor specimen prior to therapy initiation.

What if I miss a dose?

If a dose is missed or vomited, do not make up the missed/vomited dose; administer the next dose as scheduled.

How should I store this medication?

Keep out of the reach of children at all times.  Store at room temperature, 59 to 86° F (15 to 30° C).  Protect from light.  Keep the container tightly closed.  Properly dispose of any unused medication after the expiration date.

What are the possible side effects of using this medication?

Chest pain, insomnia, skin rash, paronychia, xeroderma, alopecia, pruritis, dermatitis, electrolyte disturbances (i.e. hypocalcemia, hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypomagnesemia), hyperglycemia, hypoalbuminemia, diarrhea, stomatitis, nausea, constipation, oral mucosa ulcer, anemia, lymphocytopenia, elevated liver enzymes, conjunctivitis, cough, dyspnea, upper respiratory tract infection.

Note this is not a complete list of side effects for VIZIMPRO (Dacomitinib), only common ones.