Sacituzumab Govitecan

What is this medication for?

Sacituzumab govitecan is used to treat breast and bladder cancer.

It is made up of 2 parts:

• Sacituzumab, a type of protein called a monoclonal antibody, that targets the Trop-2 protein commonly found in breast and bladder cancers.
• SN-38, a topoisomerase I inhibitor chemotherapy which works by interfering with the cancer cells' ability to multiply.

The antibody helps deliver the chemotherapy more specifically to the cancer cells.

How should I take or use this medication?

Sacituzumab govitecan is injected into the vein (given intravenously) as an infusion (drip).

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
  • Female patients who may become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment and for 6 months after your last treatment.
  • Male patients with female partners of reproductive potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose of treatment.
  • Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 1 month after last dose.
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

• Decreased white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. This may put you at increased risk of infections, bleeding or bruising, and feeling tired.
  • To reduce your risk of infection:
    • Practice good personal hygiene.
    • Avoid eating raw or half-cooked food.
    • Avoid crowded places and coming into close contact with people who are not feeling well. Wear a face mask when you’re going out.
  • To reduce your risk of bleeding:
    • Be careful when using sharp objects such as knives.
    • Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Diarrhoea
  • To manage diarrhoea:
    • Drink more water or clear fluids to replace the fluids lost.
    • Avoid oily, spicy food or dairy products.
    • Take anti-diarrheal medication as instructed.
• Mild nausea or vomiting
  • Take small frequent meals.
  • Avoid food/smells that may make you feel nauseous such as oily, fried food or strong-smelling food.
• Mouth ulcers
  • Avoid eating hard or spicy foods.
  • Brush teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
  • Use a non- alcohol-containing mouthwash to maintain mouth hygiene after meals.
• Hair loss
  • This is a temporary side effect that may be more obvious a few weeks after treatment.
  • Use a mild shampoo (such as baby shampoo) to wash your hair and scalp.

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

• Symptoms of infection such as high fever of 38 ⁰C and above
• Unusual bleeding, bruising or black sticky stools
• Symptoms of lung problems such as a dry cough that doesn’t go away, or feeling breathless, chest tightness or wheezing
• Drug allergy. The symptoms of drug allergy include one or more of the following:
  • Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see your healthcare professional immediately.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

Avoid taking traditional Chinese medications (TCM) or “jamu” when you are on this medication.