Why is this medication prescribed?

Brigatinib is a medication primarily prescribed for the treatment of a certain type of lung cancer called non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Specifically, it is used for NSCLC that is characterized by a specific genetic mutation known as ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) positive. Brigatinib works by inhibiting the activity of the ALK protein, thereby slowing down or stopping the growth of cancer cells.

How should this medicine be used?

Brigatinib is typically prescribed for the treatment of a certain type of lung cancer known as ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here’s how it’s generally used:

• Dosage: The dosage of brigatinib can vary depending on factors such as your overall health, the stage of your cancer, and any other medications you may be taking. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dosage for you.
• Administration: Brigatinib is usually taken orally in the form of tablets. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break them unless instructed otherwise by your doctor or pharmacist.
• Timing: Brigatinib is typically taken once a day, with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day to help you remember.
• Follow-up: While taking brigatinib, it’s important to attend all scheduled appointments with your healthcare provider for monitoring and follow-up. They may conduct tests to check your response to the medication and monitor for any potential side effects.
• Duration: Continue taking brigatinib for as long as your doctor prescribes it, even if you start to feel better. Stopping the medication prematurely could allow the cancer to continue growing.
• Side effects: Be aware of potential side effects of brigatinib, such as nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, cough, and elevated liver enzymes. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, notify your healthcare provider.
• Interactions: Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as they could interact with brigatinib and affect its effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions precisely when taking brigatinib, and don’t hesitate to ask any questions or voice concerns you may have about your treatment.

Other uses for this medicine

Brigatinib is primarily used for the treatment of ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, there are no other approved uses for brigatinib at this time.

What special precautions should I follow?

As for special precautions to follow when taking brigatinib:

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Brigatinib can cause harm to an unborn baby, so it’s essential to avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medication. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider. Similarly, it’s not recommended to breastfeed while taking brigatinib, as it may pass into breast milk and harm the nursing infant.
• Liver function: Brigatinib may cause liver problems, including elevated liver enzymes. Your healthcare provider may perform blood tests to monitor your liver function regularly while you are taking brigatinib. Inform your doctor if you have a history of liver disease or if you experience symptoms such as yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), abdominal pain, or dark urine.
• Lung problems: Brigatinib can cause lung problems, including inflammation of the lungs (pneumonitis). Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience new or worsening symptoms such as difficulty breathing, cough, or fever.
• Heart problems: Some patients may experience heart problems, including abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), when taking brigatinib. Inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of heart disease or if you experience symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, or fainting.
• Drug interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as they could interact with brigatinib. Certain medications, such as strong CYP3A inhibitors and inducers, may affect the levels of brigatinib in your blood, potentially increasing the risk of side effects or reducing its effectiveness.
• Allergic reactions: Seek medical attention immediately if you experience signs of an allergic reaction to brigatinib, such as rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
• Driving and operating machinery: Brigatinib may cause dizziness, fatigue, or vision changes, which could impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. Use caution until you know how brigatinib affects you.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and recommendations when taking brigatinib, and promptly report any concerning symptoms or side effects.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with brigatinib. However, it’s generally advisable to maintain a healthy, balanced diet while undergoing cancer treatment to support overall health and well-being.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you miss a dose of brigatinib, take it as soon as you remember on the same day. If it is already close to the time of your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you’re unsure what to do, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance. It’s important to maintain a consistent dosing schedule to ensure the effectiveness of the medication.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Brigatinib, like many medications, can cause side effects. Common side effects of brigatinib may include:

• Nausea and vomiting: Some individuals may experience nausea and vomiting while taking brigatinib. This can often be managed with anti-nausea medications or adjustments to diet.
• Diarrhea: Diarrhea is another common side effect of brigatinib. Staying hydrated and eating a bland diet may help alleviate this symptom.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired or fatigued is a frequent side effect of brigatinib. It’s essential to get plenty of rest and avoid overexertion.
• Cough: Some individuals may develop a cough while taking brigatinib. This side effect should be monitored, especially if it becomes severe or persistent.
• Increased liver enzymes: Brigatinib can cause elevated liver enzymes, which may indicate liver damage. Regular monitoring of liver function through blood tests is typically recommended.
• Edema (swelling): Swelling, particularly in the hands, ankles, or feet, can occur with brigatinib. If severe or persistent, notify your healthcare provider.
• Rash: Skin rash or itching may develop as a side effect of brigatinib. Inform your doctor if you experience any skin changes.
• High blood pressure: Some individuals may experience an increase in blood pressure while taking brigatinib. Blood pressure should be monitored regularly during treatment.
• Difficulty breathing: In some cases, brigatinib may cause lung problems such as pneumonitis, which can lead to difficulty breathing. Seek medical attention if you experience new or worsening respiratory symptoms.
• Vision problems: Brigatinib may cause changes in vision, such as blurred vision or difficulty focusing. If you experience any vision changes, inform your healthcare provider.

It’s important to communicate any side effects you experience while taking brigatinib to your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on managing side effects and determine if any adjustments to your treatment are necessary. Additionally, some side effects may require immediate medical attention, so it’s essential to seek help if you experience severe or concerning symptoms.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Regarding the storage and disposal of brigatinib:

• Storage: Store brigatinib tablets at room temperature away from light and moisture. Avoid storing them in the bathroom or kitchen where they may be exposed to humidity. Keep the medication out of reach of children and pets.
• Disposal: Dispose of brigatinib tablets properly according to local regulations or guidelines. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so. Instead, consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal facility for guidance on how to safely dispose of unused or expired medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Seek medical attention: If you suspect an overdose of brigatinib or experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, or severe dizziness, seek immediate medical assistance by calling emergency services or going to the nearest emergency room.
• Poison control: You can also contact your local poison control center for guidance on what to do in case of an overdose. Have the medication container or label available to provide important information to healthcare professionals.

What other information should I know?

• Regular monitoring: Your healthcare provider will likely monitor your condition regularly while you are taking brigatinib. This may involve blood tests to check liver function and imaging tests to assess the response to treatment.
• Medication interactions: Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as they may interact with brigatinib and affect its effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects.
• Follow-up appointments: Attend all scheduled appointments with your healthcare provider for monitoring and follow-up while taking brigatinib. These appointments are essential for assessing your response to treatment and managing any side effects.
• Patient support: Consider joining a support group for individuals with lung cancer or seeking counseling services to help cope with the emotional and psychological aspects of living with cancer and undergoing treatment.
• Driving and machinery: Brigatinib may cause dizziness, fatigue, or vision changes, which could impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. Use caution until you know how brigatinib affects you.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions and recommendations when taking brigatinib, and don’t hesitate to ask any questions or voice concerns you may have about your treatment.