Brigatinib is used to treat a certain type of lung cancer known as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has spread to other parts of the body which is caused by a defect in a gene called anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK).
This medicine reduces the size of the tumour by stopping cancer cells from growing.
Take Brigatinib exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the tablet.
If you vomit after taking Brigatinib, do not repeat the dose. Take the next dose at your normal scheduled time.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your condition and your response to the medication.
Brigatinib must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
If you missed a dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with Brigatinib.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- severe kidney disease
- severe liver disease
It is important that you do not get pregnant while taking this medicine. You must use proven birth control methods during Brigatinib therapy and for 4 months after stopping the treatment.
Men with partners of childbearing potential must use proven birth control methods during Brigatinib therapy and for at least 3 months after stopping the treatment. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Pregnancy tests must be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to take.
- Screening and assessment of tumour status are needed prior to initiation of therapy to check the appropriateness of Brigatinib therapy.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver function, sugar levels, eye examination) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure during treatment.
- Regular monitoring of changes in vision and breathing problems may also be needed.
Brigatinib may cause dizziness, blurred vision, or tiredness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
This medicine may also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Apply sunscreen when going outdoors and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV lamps.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, indigestion, diarrhoea, difficulty sleeping, and muscle pain.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- slow heartbeat, severe headache, confusion, anxiety
- shortness of breath, sudden weight loss, chest discomfort, cough which may contain blood
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
- double or clouded vision, seeing halos around lights, trouble seeing at night
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- nefazodone (medicine to treat depression)
- pravastatin (cholesterol-lowering medicine)
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole
- medicines for heart disease e.g. diltiazem, verapamil, digoxin
- medicines used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin, sirolimus, tacrolimus
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir
- certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin, telithromycin, nafcillin
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital
- medicines to treat TB (an infection known as tuberculosis) e.g. rifampicin, rifabutin
- St. John's wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Brigatinib.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Avoid excessive consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice (more than 1 litre a day).
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
As Brigatinib is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired tablets to the clinic, hospital, or pharmacy for disposal. Do not throw it away in the household waste.
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