What are the common side effects of dacomitinib?

Dacomitinib is an irreversible EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), used to treat EGFR mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although it has significant efficacy in prolonging the survival of patients, during the treatment process, patients may experience a variety of side effects that affect their quality of life.

1. Skin-related side effects: One of the most common side effects of dacomitinib is rash (acne-like rash), dry skin, paronychia, itching, etc., which usually appear early in treatment. Some patients may develop secondary infections due to broken skin. Patients are advised to keep their skin clean, avoid exposure to the sun, and use mild skin care products to relieve dryness. If the rash is severe, your doctor may recommend treatment with topical anti-inflammatory medications or antibiotic ointments.

2. Gastrointestinal discomfort: Some patients may experience symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Mild diarrhea can be relieved by adjusting your diet, drinking more water, and taking antidiarrheal drugs (such as montmorillonite powder) if necessary. Patients with nausea and vomiting can eat small meals frequently and take antiemetics under the guidance of a doctor.

3. Abnormal liver function: Dacomitinib may cause an increase in liver function indicators (ALT, AST), and individual patients may develop symptoms such as jaundice and fatigue. Patients are advised to monitor liver function regularly and avoid drinking alcohol and taking other drugs that may affect the liver. Doctors may adjust the dose or suspend medication if necessary.

4. Fatigue and other systemic side effects: Some patients may experience fatigue, joint or muscle pain, dry mouth and other discomforts, which affects daily activities. Individual patients may develop interstitial pneumonia, manifested by shortness of breath and persistent cough. If they have similar symptoms, they should seek medical treatment immediately.

Side effects of dacomitinib are relatively common, but through early identification, regular monitoring, and taking targeted measures under the guidance of a doctor, adverse effects can be effectively reduced and treatment tolerance improved.

Reference materials:https://www.pfizer.com/products/product-detail/vizimpro