What to do if you have constipation while taking entrectinib?

Enrectinib is a pan-tissue anti-cancer drug developed by Roche and is clinically used for the treatment of specific types of non-small cell lung cancer. However, patients may experience some adverse reactions during entrectinib treatment, including constipation, which can be alleviated through diet modification, improvement of living habits, appropriate exercise, drug intervention and other methods.

Causes of constipation caused by entrectinib

1. Drug action mechanism: Certain anti-tumor drugs, such as entrectinib, may indirectly cause constipation by changing the rhythm of intestinal peristalsis, reducing intestinal secretions, or affecting the neuromuscular function of the digestive tract.

2. Gastrointestinal mucosal reaction: and other chemotherapy drugs or targeted therapy drugs may cause certain irritation and toxicity to the gastrointestinal mucosa, thus affecting the normal digestion of food and fecal excretion.

3. Interference with water and salt metabolism: Some anti-cancer drugs can affect the body's water and salt balance, leading to dehydration or electrolyte disorders, which in turn affects intestinal peristalsis and stool characteristics.

4. Impact on the immune system: Entrectinib may affect the patient's immune function and indirectly affect the intestinal microflora, leading to an imbalance of intestinal flora and causing constipation.

5. Concomitant use of other drugs: While using entrectinib, patients may also be taking other analgesics, sedatives or antidepressants. These drugs often inhibit intestinal movement and aggravate constipation symptoms.

6. Changes in diet and activity: During cancer treatment, patients may reduce their dietary intake and insufficient dietary fiber intake due to nausea, loss of appetite, etc. At the same time, due to fatigue caused by the disease and treatment, the patient's physical activity may also decrease, which can further aggravate the occurrence of constipation.

Measures for treating constipation due to entrectinib side effects

1. Diet adjustment: It is recommended that patients increase their dietary fiber intake and eat more fiber-rich foods, such as whole grains, fresh vegetables, fruits, beans, etc. Stay well hydrated and drink enough water (at least 8 glasses) every day to help soften stool and make it easier to pass through the intestines. Also avoid excessive intake of foods that may cause constipation, such as highly processed foods and high-fat foods.

2. Changes in living habits: Develop the habit of going to the toilet regularly every day to allow the body to establish a regular defecation clock. Avoid sitting still for long periods of time, especially if you try not to sit or lie down immediately after eating.

3. Moderate exercise: You can increase the amount of exercise and moderately increase daily activities, such as walking, yoga or light aerobic exercise, which can help promote intestinal peristalsis.

4. Drug intervention: Use laxatives under the guidance of a doctor, such as osmotic laxatives (such as polyethylene glycol), stimulant laxatives (such as senna) or other types of laxatives. However, patients should note that it is crucial to choose the appropriate drug type and dosage, and they should avoid long-term self-use or abuse of laxatives.

5. Other treatments: You can try probiotic supplements to improve the balance of intestinal microecology, but this should also be done under the guidance of a doctor. If the constipation is severe and persists, further evaluation and more active treatment measures may be required, such as intestinal cleansing or enema

6. Adjust the drug treatment plan: If the patient's side effects are severe, the drug dose can be reduced or discontinued under the doctor's evaluation, and other drug treatments can be used.

Other adverse reactions of entrectinib

1. Gastrointestinal adverse reactions: constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

2. Nervous system: dysgeusia, dizziness, hypoesthesia, cognitive impairment, peripheral sensory neuropathy, headache, ataxia, and mood disorders.

3. Respiration, chest and mediastinum: dyspnea and cough.

4. Musculoskeletal and connective tissue: myalgia, joint pain, muscle weakness, back pain, and limb pain.

5. Metabolism and nutrition: weight gain, loss of appetite, dehydration.

6. Eyes: visual impairment.

7. Infections: urinary tract infection, lung infection,

8. Blood vessels:Low blood pressure.

Summary

It is recommended that patients use entrectinib under the guidance of a doctor, and strictly follow the doctor's instructions during treatment, conduct regular reviews, pay attention to monitoring their own adverse reactions, and actively treat any discomfort if they occur.

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