This medication is used to treat certain types of
breast, colon, or rectum cancers. Tucatinib belongs to a class of drugs
known as kinase inhibitors. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of
cancer cells.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start taking tucatinib and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually twice daily (about 12 hours apart).
Swallow the medication whole. Do not chew, crush, or split the tablets. Do
not take tablets if they are broken, cracked, or damaged.
If you miss a dose or vomit after taking tucatinib, do
not take another dose. Take your next dose at the regular
time.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each
day.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and
response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more
often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any
faster, and your risk of serious side effects will
increase.
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and
lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become
pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the
tablets.
Nausea, vomiting, mouth sores/pain, loss of appetite,
weight loss, tiredness, or muscle/joint pain may occur. If any of these
effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Diarrhea is a common side effect and can sometimes be
severe. Vomiting/diarrhea that doesn't stop may result in dehydration.
Contact your doctor promptly if you notice any symptoms of dehydration,
such as unusual decreased urination, unusual dry mouth/thirst, fast
heartbeat, or dizziness/lightheadedness. Your doctor may prescribe
anti-diarrheal medication to take during treatment with this
medication.
People using this medication may have serious side
effects. However, you have been prescribed this drug because your doctor
has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side
effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your
risk.
Tucatinib may make you develop a skin problem called
hand-foot syndrome. To help prevent this, protect your hands and feet from
heat or increased pressure. Avoid activities such as using hot dishwater,
taking tub baths, jogging, going on long walks, or using garden or
household tools such as screwdrivers. Symptoms may include pain, swelling,
redness, blisters, or numbness of the hands/feet. Your doctor may prescribe
medication (such as balm) to help with symptoms. If symptoms affect your
usual activities, get medical help right away.
Tucatinib may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal)
liver disease. Your doctor should check liver function tests before you
start taking this medication and every 3 weeks during treatment, or as
needed. Get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of liver
damage, such as:
- nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop
- stomach/abdominal pain
- yellowing eyes/skin
- dark urine
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking tucatinib, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- kidney disease
- liver problems
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and
lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become
pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the
tablets.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using tucatinib. Tucatinib
may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor should order a pregnancy test before
you start this medication. Men and women using this medication should ask
about reliable forms of birth control during treatment and for at least 1
week after the last dose. If you or your partner becomes pregnant, talk to
your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this
medication.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this medication and for at least 1 week after the
last dose. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Other medications can affect the removal of tucatinib
from your body, which may affect how tucatinib works. Examples include
rifamycins (such as rifabutin, rifampin), St. John's wort, drugs used to
treat seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin), among
others.
This medication can slow down the removal of other
medications from your body, which may affect how they work. Examples of
affected drugs include avanafil, some benzodiazepines (such as midazolam,
triazolam), daridorexant, ergot drugs (such as ergotamine,
dihydroergotamine), finerenone, mavacamten, pacritinib, some "statin" drugs
(such as lovastatin, simvastatin), ubrogepant, among
others.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count,
kidney/liver function) should be done before you start taking this
medication and while you are taking it. Keep all medical and lab
appointments.
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store in the original container at room temperature away
from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep the drying
agent (desiccant) in the bottle. Tightly close the bottle when not in use.
Once the bottle is opened, this medication expires after 3 months. Keep all
medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.