Uses
Pemigatinib is used in adults who have already received a previous treatment to treat a certain type of cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) that has spread to nearby tissues or other parts of the body and cannot be removed by surgery. Pemigatinib is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of the abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps stop or slow the spread of cancer cells.
Side Effects Of Pemigatinib
Pemigatinib may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- diarrhea
- nausea
- changes in taste
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
- constipation
- stomach pain
- sores on the lips, mouth, or throat
- dry mouth and/or skin; decreased urination; or fast heartbeat
- nail disorders
- hair loss
- headache
- fatigue
- joint or back pain
- burning or painful urination
- pain or swelling of hands, feet, legs, or ankles
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- blurred vision, floaters in the eye, seeing flashes of light, or other changes in vision
- muscle cramps, numbness, or tingling around the mouth
Pemigatinib may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking pemigatinib:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to pemigatinib, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in pemigatinib tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: antifungals such as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), and voriconazole (Vfend); carbamazepine (Epitol, Tegretol, Teril, others); clarithromycin (Biaxin); erythromycin (E.E.S., Erythrocin, others); certain medications to treat human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) such as efavirenz (Sustiva, in Atripla), indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), nevirapine (Viramune), ritonavir (Norvir, in others), or saquinavir (Invirase); nefazodone; phenobarbital; phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek); pioglitazone (Actos); rifabutin (Mycobutin); rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, in Rifamate); and verapamil (Calan, Verelan, others). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Many other medications may also interact with pemigatinib, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list.
- tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking, especially St. John’s wort.
- tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing tablets or if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or if you plan on fathering a child. If you are female, you will need to take a pregnancy test before you start treatment and use birth control to prevent pregnancy during your treatment and for at least 1 week after your final dose. If you are a male, you and your partner should use birth control during your treatment and for 1 week after your final dose. Talk to your doctor about birth control methods that you can use during your treatment. If you or your partner become pregnant while taking pemigatinib, call your doctor immediately. Pemigatinib may harm the fetus.
- tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed while you are taking pemigatinib and for 1 week after your final dose.
- you should know that this medication may cause dry eyes. Your doctor may tell you to use artificial tears or lubricant eye drops during your treatment with pemigatinib.
Dosage Of Pemigatinib
Pemigatinib comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food once daily for the first 14 days of a 21-day cycle. The cycle may be repeated as recommended by your doctor. Take pemigatinib at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take pemigatinib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.
If you vomit after taking pemigatinib, do not take another dose. Continue your regular dosing schedule.
Your doctor may decrease your dose or temporarily or permanently stop your treatment if you experience certain side effects. This depends on how well the medication works for you and the side effects you experience. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with pemigatinib.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor, eye doctor, and the laboratory. Your doctor will order a lab test before you begin your treatment to see whether your cancer can be treated with pemigatinib. Your doctor will also order certain lab and eye tests before and during your treatment to check your body’s response to pemigatinib.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
