Brigatinib

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 or 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 or 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 when taking or using this medication?

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:
  • Four months after stopping treatment (for women)
  • Three months after stopping treatment (for men)
• 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
  • Drink plenty of clear fluids to replace those lost (two litres everyday)
  • Avoid oily or spicy food and milk or dairy products
• 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.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

• Symptoms of a drug allergy including one or more of the following:

  • Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body
• 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 or use 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 do I throw away this medication safely? ​

Pack Brigatinib into a bag and bring it back to the pharmacy where you received the medication from.