Medication Information Leaflet
What is this medication for?
Brigatinib is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Your doctor will check for an alteration in your genes before starting you on this.
How should I take/use this medication?
Take Brigatinib once a day
You can take it with or without food
Take the exact dose that your doctor tells you to
- You will usually be started on a lower dose for the first seven days of treatment before being given an increased dose
Do not break or crush the tablet. Swallow the tablet whole.
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have difficulty swallowing
What should I do if I forget to take/use this medication?
If you forget to take a dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for the missed dose.
What precautions should I take?
Inform your healthcare professional if:
You are allergic to this medication
You or your partner becomes pregnant or is planning for pregnancy. You should use effective birth control during and for at least:
You are breastfeeding
- Do not breastfeed during and for one week after stopping treatment
You have any other medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or heart problems
You are taking or intend to take any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies
What are some common side-effects of this medication?
Nausea, decreased appetite
- Take small, frequent meals throughout the day
Diarrhea
Cough
Feeling tired and lack of energy
- Do not drive or operate machinery when you feel tired
Headache
Rash
- Moisturize your skin daily
Increased blood sugar levels
Increased blood pressure
- Monitor your blood pressure regularly and record it down. Inform your doctor if you notice an increasing trend.
Symptoms of a drug allergy including one or more of the following:
Sudden onset or worsening of cough, chest pain, shortness of breath or fever
Dark urine or light coloured stools
Yellowing of your eyes or skin
Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain that gets worse when you eat
Weight loss
Eye discomfort, blurred eyesight or floaters (small spots that drift through your field of vision)
Unusual giddiness or light-headedness
Slow heartbeat
Very bad muscle soreness or weakness that does not go away
Increased thirst or need to pass urine, feeling very hungry
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.
What food or medication should I avoid when I take this medication?
Avoid taking grapefruit or grapefruit juice when you are taking this medication as it may interact with your medication and increase the risk of side-effects.
How should I store this medication?
Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.
How should I throw away this medication safely?
Pack Brigatinib into a bag and bring it back to the pharmacy where you received the medication from.
Disclaimers
If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.
This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.
Last updated on August 2020