Indications
Fruquintinib is a targeted cancer medicine taken by mouth. It is used to treat adults with metastatic colorectal cancer (bowel cancer that has spread) who have already been treated with other standard therapies, such as fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin and irinotecan based chemotherapy, anti-VEGF medicines and, where suitable, anti-EGFR medicines.
How It Works
Tumours need new blood vessels to grow. Fruquintinib is a kinase inhibitor that blocks VEGF receptors 1, 2 and 3, proteins that signal the body to build new blood vessels. By blocking these signals it reduces the blood supply to the tumour, which can slow its growth and spread.
Dosage and Administration
Fruquintinib must be used only under the care of a cancer specialist. Take it exactly as prescribed. It is usually taken once daily for a set number of days followed by a rest period, in repeated cycles. Swallow the capsules whole with water, with or without food, at about the same time each day. Your doctor may pause the medicine or lower the dose if side effects occur. If a dose is missed, follow your doctor’s advice; do not take two doses together.
Interactions
Tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements you take. Strong enzyme inducers such as Rifampicin, Carbamazepine, Phenytoin and St John’s wort can lower Fruquintinib levels and should usually be avoided. Medicines that affect bleeding, such as Warfarin, Aspirin or other blood thinners, may increase bleeding risk. Do not start new medicines without checking with your cancer team.
Contraindications
Do not use if you are allergic to Fruquintinib or any ingredient of the capsule. It is generally not used during pregnancy.
Side Effects
Common side effects include high blood pressure, protein in the urine, hand and foot skin reaction (redness, pain or blistering of palms and soles), tiredness, hoarse voice, diarrhoea, mouth sores, loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal pain, low thyroid hormone and changes in liver tests.
Get urgent medical help for bleeding that will not stop, vomiting or coughing blood, black stools, severe stomach pain (possible bowel perforation), chest pain, sudden weakness on one side of the body, severe headache with confusion or vision changes, or very high blood pressure.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Fruquintinib may harm an unborn baby. Women who could become pregnant should use effective contraception during treatment and for some time after the last dose, as advised by the doctor. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for a period after stopping, as advised by your specialist.
Precautions and Warnings
Your blood pressure, urine protein, liver tests and thyroid function will be checked regularly. Tell your doctor if you have a history of bleeding, blood clots, heart disease or recent surgery. Treatment is usually stopped before planned surgery and restarted only when wounds have healed. Report any skin changes on hands or feet early.
Overdose
If too much is taken, contact a doctor or go to hospital straight away and take the pack with you. There is no specific antidote; treatment is supportive.
Therapeutic Class
Antineoplastic agent, VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light, in the original pack. Keep 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.