Indications
Brigatinib is a cancer medicine taken by mouth for advanced or spread (metastatic) non-small cell lung cancer that is ALK-positive, meaning the cancer cells carry a change in the ALK gene. It can be used as first treatment or after Crizotinib.
How It Works
Brigatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It blocks the faulty ALK protein that drives the cancer cells to grow, so the cancer grows more slowly or shrinks. It also reaches the brain, where this cancer often spreads.
Dosage and Administration
The dose is set by the cancer specialist, as prescribed. Treatment usually starts with a lower dose for the first 7 days and is then increased, to lower the risk of lung problems early on. Take once a day at about the same time, with or without food, and swallow the tablets whole. If you vomit after a dose, do not take an extra one; take the next dose at the usual time.
Interactions
- Strong enzyme blockers such as Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Clarithromycin and Ritonavir, and grapefruit juice, raise its levels and should be avoided.
- Strong enzyme inducers such as Rifampicin, Carbamazepine, Phenytoin and St John’s wort lower its effect and should be avoided.
- It can make hormonal contraceptives less effective; use a non-hormonal method.
- Medicines that slow the heart, such as beta-blockers, need extra care.
Contraindications
Allergy to brigatinib or any ingredient of the product.
Side Effects
Common:
- Diarrhoea, nausea, tiredness, cough and headache.
- Muscle aches with a rise in muscle enzyme (CPK).
- High blood pressure, slow heart rate and raised blood sugar.
- Raised pancreas and liver enzymes, rash and sensitivity to sunlight.
- Blurred vision or other vision changes.
Get urgent medical help for new or worse breathlessness, cough, chest pain or fever, especially in the first week; dizziness, fainting or a very slow pulse; new vision problems; severe muscle pain or weakness; severe stomach pain; or very high blood sugar with great thirst and passing a lot of urine.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Brigatinib can harm an unborn baby and should not be used in pregnancy. Women should use reliable non-hormonal contraception, and men with partners who could become pregnant should use condoms, during treatment and for the period the doctor advises afterwards. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for a time afterwards, as advised by the doctor.
Precautions and Warnings
- Blood pressure, heart rate, blood sugar, muscle, liver and pancreas tests are checked regularly.
- Limit sun exposure and use sunscreen and protective clothing.
- Report any breathing problems at once.
- Take care driving if you have vision changes or feel tired.
Overdose
There is little experience with overdose. If too much is taken, seek medical help at once; treatment is supportive.
Therapeutic Class
Antineoplastic (anticancer), ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitor.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.