What to expect with VIZIMPRO
As you begin treatment with VIZIMPRO® (dacomitinib), it can be helpful to learn more about what to expect, including potential side effects. Knowing what to expect when taking VIZIMPRO and having open communication about side effects with your healthcare team can be empowering and may help you feel more in control.
What are the possible side effects of VIZIMPRO?
The serious side effects and most common side effects of VIZIMPRO are presented here. If you think you may be experiencing these or other side effects while taking VIZIMPRO, be sure to tell your healthcare provider right away.
Serious side effects
Lung or breathing problems
- VIZIMPRO may cause severe inflammation of the lung that may lead to death. Symptoms may be similar to those symptoms from lung cancer
- Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new or worsening lung symptoms, including trouble breathing or shortness of breath, cough, or fever
Diarrhea
- Diarrhea is common during treatment with VIZIMPRO, and can be severe and lead to death
- Diarrhea can cause you to lose too much body fluid (dehydration). Your healthcare provider may tell you to start drinking more fluids or start taking your anti-diarrheal medicines
- Tell your healthcare provider right away, if you have any loose stools or have stools more often than is normal for you
Skin reactions
- Skin reactions are common with VIZIMPRO and can be severe
- These skin reactions may include: dry skin, redness, rash, acne, itching, and peeling or blistering of your skin
- Use moisturizers every day when taking VIZIMPRO. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing that covers your skin, while exposed to sunlight, while you are taking VIZIMPRO
- Your healthcare provider may prescribe other medicines to help skin reactions. Tell your healthcare provider right away about any worsening skin reactions
Common side effects
The most common side effects of VIZIMPRO include:
- rash
- diarrhea
- mouth pain and sores
- nail inflammation
- common cold
- dry skin
- decreased appetite
- decreased weight
- dry, red, itchy eyes
- hair loss
- itching
These are not all of the possible side effects of VIZIMPRO. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Managing side effects
If you experience side effects, your healthcare team may do one or a combination of the following:
Add a medicine to help lessen the severity of the side effect
Temporarily stop treatment with VIZIMPRO
Change the dose of VIZIMPRO
In some cases, if a side effect doesn’t improve with these strategies, you may have to permanently stop taking VIZIMPRO.
Tips to help manage side effects
Before you make any changes to your diet or exercise routine, consult with your healthcare team. Also note that these tips are not specific to VIZIMPRO and that if you do experience any side effects, you should share them with your healthcare team early so that they can help you manage them.
Diarrhea
You may want to consider the following general tips:
- Eating more foods that are high in sodium and potassium (including bananas, oranges, boiled or mashed potatoes, and peach or apricot nectar), because you lose these important nutrients when you have diarrhea
- Drinking 8 to 10 large glasses of clear liquids each day to replace fluids lost. Avoid alcoholic drinks and soft drinks as they can make diarrhea worse
- Eating 5-6 small meals and snacks throughout the day instead of 3 large meals
- Avoiding spicy and fatty foods, caffeine, and raw fruit as they can make diarrhea worse
Remember, these are tips that are not intended to replace the advice of your healthcare team. Before you consider any changes to your diet, be sure to talk to your healthcare team.
Mouth Sores
You may want to consider the following general tips:
- Practicing good mouth care, such as using a soft toothbrush to gently brush the teeth and regularly rinsing with warm water and salt. Avoid chlorhexidine- or alcohol-containing oral products
- Eating foods cold or at room temperature as you may have increased sensitivity to hot or very cold foods. Try to eat soft, soothing, and moist food, such as mashed potatoes or scrambled eggs. These foods are easier to swallow when your mouth is sore
- Avoiding acidic or irritating juices and foods, spicy or salty foods, and rough or coarse foods, like raw vegetables, granola, or crackers
- Sipping water throughout the day, using a straw. A straw can help push drinks beyond the painful parts of your mouth
Remember, these are tips that are not intended to replace the advice of your healthcare team. Before you consider any changes to your diet, be sure to talk to your healthcare team.
Skin Changes
You may want to consider the following general tips:
- Using a fragrance- and alcohol-free moisturizer on the face and body twice a day during treatment
- Avoiding long hot showers or baths, as this can further dry out the skin; wear gloves if you are doing the washing up or other tasks involving hot water and detergent
- Skin changes may be worse in sun-exposed areas—try to wear protective clothing outside and apply SPF 30 or above every two hours when outdoors and avoid being out in the sun for long periods
- Cleaning your skin gently with mild soap products
Remember, these are tips that are not intended to replace the advice of your healthcare team.
Nail Disorders
You may want to consider the following general tips:
- Keeping affected areas dry
- Avoiding nail trauma, overly aggressive manicures/pedicures, biting the nails, and contact with irritating substances
- Wearing comfortable shoes and wearing gloves while performing household chores, such as gardening or dishwashing
- Taking extra precautions to make sure nails are dry and clean if exposed to moist environments, such as bartending, dishwashing, and swimming
Remember, these are tips that are not intended to replace the advice of your healthcare team.
Helping you prepare
Learn more about what to expect with VIZIMPRO in this guide
View Full Prescribing Information
How to take VIZIMPRO
VIZIMPRO is a once-daily oral treatment option
The recommended starting dose of VIZIMPRO is 45 mg once daily. VIZIMPRO is also available in 30-mg and 15-mg tablets.
Not actual size.
- Take VIZIMPRO exactly as your healthcare provider tells you
- Do not change your dose or stop taking VIZIMPRO unless your healthcare provider tells you
- If you vomit or miss a dose of VIZIMPRO, do not take another dose or make up for the missed dose. Take your next dose at your regular time
- Your healthcare provider may change your dose, temporarily stop, or permanently stop treatment with VIZIMPRO if you have side effects
As always, it’s important to keep your doctor aware of how you’re feeling. While you’re taking VIZIMPRO, be sure to be on the lookout for any side effects and communicate them to your doctor right away.