Avapritinib
(AY-vah-PRIH-tih-nib)
(AY-vah-PRIH-tih-nib)
Avapritinib (Ayvakit™) is used to treat adults with a certain type of stomach, bowel, or esophagus cancer called gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) that cannot be treated with surgery or that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic), and that is caused by certain abnormal platelet...
Avapritinib (Ayvakit™) is used to treat adults with a certain type of stomach, bowel, or esophagus cancer called gastrointestinal stromal
tumor (GIST) that cannot be treated with surgery or that has spread to...
Page 1 AVAPRITINIB ORAL CHEMOTHERAPY EDUCATION Name of your medication Generic name avapritinib (AY vah PRIH tih nib) Brand name Ayvakit™ (aye vah kit) Approved uses Avapritinib is used to treat adults with a certain type of stomach, bowel, or esophagus cancer called gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) that cannot be treated with surgery or that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic), and that is caused by certain abnormal platelet derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA) genes. Dose and schedule Taking avapritinib as instructed is important to allow your treatment to be as effective as possible, so here are some key points to remember. Your dose may vary, but the usual dose of avapritinib is 300 milligrams (300 mg) to be taken by mouth at a scheduled time once a day. Avapritinib should be taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour before and two hours after a meal. Avapritinib should be taken whole and not crushed, cut, or dissolved. If you are unable to swallow avapritinib, talk to your care provider or pharmacist for possible options. If you miss a dose of avapritinib, follow these guidelines: Take it as soon as you remember, unless your next scheduled dose is due within eight hours. Take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take two doses at one time. Be sure to write down if you miss a dose, and let your care provider know about any missed doses. Drug and food interactions Avapritinib has many drug interactions. Please inform your care providers of all prescription medications, over the counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Avapritinib should not be taken with food. Talk with your care provider or pharmacist before taking new medications or supplements, or receiving any vaccines. Storage and handling Handle avapritinib with care. Just like when chemotherapy is given into the vein, this drug can be toxic, and exposure of the drug to others should be limited. Store avapritinib at room temperature (68°F–77°F) in a dry location away from light. Keep avapritinib out of reach of children and pets. Leave avapritinib in the provided packaging until it is ready to be taken. AVAPRITINIB ORAL CHEMOTHERAPY EDUCATION Page 2 Whenever possible, you should give avapritinib to yourself and follow the steps below. If a family member, friend, or caregiver needs to give the avapritinib to you, they also need to follow these steps. 1. Wash hands with soap and water. 2. Put on gloves to avoid touching the medication. (Gloves are not necessary if you give the drug to yourself.) 3. Gently transfer the avapritinib from its package to a small medicine or other disposable cup. 4. Administer the medicine immediately by mouth with water. 5. Remove gloves and do not use them for anything else. 6. Throw gloves and medicine cup in household trash. 7. Wash hands with soap and water. If a daily pill box or pill reminder will be used, contact your care team before using. The person filling the box or reminder should wear gloves (gloves are not necessary if you are filling the box or reminder). When empty, the box or reminder should be washed with soap and water before refilling. Be sure to wash hands with soap and water after the task is complete, whether or not gloves are worn. If you have any unused avapritinib, do not throw it in the trash and do not flush it down the sink or toilet. Talk to your care provider or pharmacist about proper disposal of avapritinib. If you are traveling, put your avapritinib’s packaging in a separate sealed plastic bag. Ask your pharmacist if any additional travel precautions are needed. AVAPRITINIB ORAL CHEMOTHERAPY EDUCATION Page 3 Side Effects of Avapritinib Below are common side effects that have been known to happen in about one third or more of patients taking avapritinib; these are listed on the left side of this table. You MAY NOT experience these side effects. Options to help manage any side effects that do occur are included on the right side of this table. These should be discussed with your care provider. If you experience any side effect you cannot manage or that is not listed here, contact your care provider. Possible Side Effect Management Decreased hemoglobin, part of the red blood cells that carry iron and oxygen Your hemoglobin should be monitored by a simple blood test. When your hemoglobin is low, you may notice that you get tired or fatigued more easily. Try to get 7–8 hours of sleep per night. Avoid operating heavy machinery if you feel too tired. Find a balance between work and rest. Stay as active as possible, but know that it is okay to rest as needed. You might notice that you are more pale than usual. Let your care provider know right away if you experience any of the following: Shortness of breath Dizziness Palpitations Fluid retention or swelling Do not stand for long periods of time. Keep your legs elevated when sitting or lying down. Try not to eat salty foods, which can increase swelling. Avoid tight fitting clothing and shoes. Weigh yourself daily. Contact your provider if you notice any of the following: Swelling in the hands, feet, or legs Shortness of breath Weight gain of five pounds or more in one week Changes in liver function Your liver function should be checked periodically by a simple blood test. Contact your care provider if you notice any of the following: Yellowing of the skin or whites of your eyes Dark or brown urine Bleeding or bruising Continued on the next page AVAPRITINIB ORAL CHEMOTHERAPY EDUCATION Page 4 Possible Side Effect Management Nausea or vomiting Eat and drink slowly. Drink 8–10 glasses of water or fluid each day unless your care provider has instructed you to limit your fluid intake. Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day rather than a few large meals. Eat bland foods; avoid spicy, fried, and greasy foods. Avoid vigorous exercise immediately after eating. Don’t lie down immediately after eating. Avoid strong odors. Let your provider know if you experience nausea or vomiting. Your provider may prescribe medication that can help. Decreased white blood cells (WBCs) and increased risk for infection Your WBCs should be monitored by a simple blood test. When your WBCs are low, you are at a greater risk of having an infection. Take the following precautions to protect yourself from infection. Wash your hands often, especially before eating and after using the bathroom. Avoid crowds and people with fevers, flu, or other infection. Bathe regularly to keep good personal hygiene. Contact your care provider if you experience any signs or symptoms of an infection: Fever (temperature more than 100.4°F or 38°C) Chills Sore throat Burning with urination Unusual tiredness A sore that becomes red, is draining, or does not heal Check with your care provider before taking any medicine for a fever or chills. Fatigue You may be more tired than usual or have less energy. Stay as active as possible, but know it is okay to rest as needed. Try to do some activity every day. Plan your activities, and do them at a time of day when you feel a bit more energetic. Avoid operating cars or machinery if you feel too tired. Continued on the next page AVAPRITINIB ORAL CHEMOTHERAPY EDUCATION Page 5 Possible Side Effect Management Changes in electrolytes and other laboratory values including Low phosphate levels Low potassium levels Low magnesium levels Low albumin levels High creatinine levels High bilirubin levels High aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels Changes in some laboratory values may occur and will be monitored by a simple blood test. You may not feel any symptoms if the changes are mild, and they usually are not a sign of a serious problem. More severe changes may occur, which can be a sign of a serious problem. Notify your care provider if you have any of the following: Shortness of breath Chest discomfort Weakness or fatigue New aches and pains Headaches Dizziness Swelling of your legs or feet Red or brown colored urine Cognitive impairment Cognitive impairment includes: Memory impairment Confused state Disturbance in attention Amnesia Mental impairment Mental status changes Dementia Abnormal thinking Mental disorder Retrograde amnesia Let your provider know if you think you are experiencing any of these side effects. Decreased appetite or weight loss Talk to your care provider if you notice a decrease in weight while taking this medication. When you do not feel like eating, try the following: Small, frequent meals instead of 3 large meals each day Keep snacks nearby so you can eat when you feel hungry. Liquid nutritional supplements Drink 8–10 glasses of water or fluid each day, especially if you are not eating, unless your care provider has instructed you to limit your fluid intake. Continued on the next page AVAPRITINIB ORAL CHEMOTHERAPY EDUCATION Page 6 Serious side effects Avapritinib may cause rare but serious side effects, including the following: A buildup of fluid between your lung and chest cavity. Alert your care team immediately if you develop sudden onset chest pain or shortness of breath. Increased risk of bleeding in the brain. Contact your care team if you notice frequent nose bleeds, blood in your stool, bleeding that occurs by itself without injury, or bleeding that will not stop after five minutes of pressure. Stop taking avapritinib and tell your healthcare provider if you develop any symptoms such as severe headache, vision problems, severe sleepiness, or severe weakness on one side of your body. Possible Side Effect Management Diarrhea (loose and/ or urgent bowel movements) Monitor how many bowel movements you have each day. Drink 8–10 glasses of water or fluid each day unless your care provider has instructed you to limit your fluid intake. Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day rather than a few large meals. Eat bland, low fiber foods, such as bananas, applesauce, potatoes, chicken, rice, and toast. Avoid high fiber foods, such as raw vegetables, raw fruits, and whole grains. Avoid foods that cause gas, such as broccoli and beans. Avoid lactose containing foods, such as yogurt and milk. Avoid spicy, fried, and greasy foods. Contact your provider if either of the following occurs: The number of bowel movements you have in a day increases by 4 or more. You feel dizzy or lightheaded. Your care provider may recommend an over the counter medication called loperamide (Imodium®) to help with your diarrhea, but talk to your care provider before starting this medication. Excessive tearing Your care provider may refer you for evaluation by an ophthalmologist. Be sure to let your provider know if are experiencing increased tearing or watery eyes. If you experience increased tearing when you are exposed to the sun, wear sunglasses when you go outdoors. Abdominal pain Abdominal pain/discomfort may occur. Report any serious pain or symptoms to your care provider immediately. Changes in kidney function Your kidney (renal) function will be checked periodically by a simple blood test. Contact your care provider if you notice any of the following: Decreased amount of urination Unusual swelling in your legs or feet Hair color changes Changes to your hair color may occur during treatment. The hair usually returns to normal after treatment; for some, the change is permanent. AVAPRITINIB ORAL CHEMOTHERAPY EDUCATION Page 7 Avapritinib can cause serious birth defects. Do not take avapritinib if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant. If you experience ANY uncontrolled side effect, call your physician or healthcare center immediately: (INSTITUTIONAL CONTACT INFO) Handling body fluids and waste Since avapritinib remains in your body for several days after it is taken, some of the drug may be present in urine, stool, sweat, or vomit. Once you have started to take avapritinib, it is important to adhere to the following instructions every day for as long as your treatment lasts. This is to keep yourself, loved ones, and the environment as safe as possible. Pregnant women should avoid touching anything that may be soiled with body fluids from the patient. Toilet and septic systems You may use the same toilet, septic tank, and/or sewer that you usually use. If you have a low flow toilet, close the lid and flush twice to ensure that all waste has been discarded. If the toilet or toilet seat becomes soiled with urine, stool, or vomit, clean the surfaces before other people use the toilet. Wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet. If you need a bedpan, be sure your caregiver knows to wear gloves to assist with cleanup and to wash the bedpan with soap and water every day. If you do not have good control of bladder or bowels, use a disposable pad with a plastic back, a diaper, or a sheet to absorb body waste. Wash any skin that has been exposed to body waste or avapritinib with soap and water. Linens or clothing that are soiled with body fluids or body waste should be washed separately from other linens and clothing. If you do not have a washer, place the soiled linens in a plastic bag until they can be washed. Wash hands with soap and water after touching linens or clothing that may be soiled with body fluids. Pregnancy, sexual activity, and contraception Women should not become pregnant and men should not get a partner pregnant while taking avapritinib. Men and women of childbearing age and potential should use effective contraception during therapy and for a minimum of six weeks after the last dose of avapritinib. Effective contraception could include condoms and/or oral contraceptives as prescribed. Do not breastfeed while taking avapritinib and for two weeks after the last dose of avapritinib. Please inform your care provider if you become pregnant. It is safe to hug and kiss. Special precautions may be needed for sexual activity while on oral chemotherapy, and you are encouraged to ask your care provider. Obtaining medication Talk with your care provider about the process for obtaining your avapritinib. (PHARMACY OR SPECIALTY PHARMACY CONTACT INFO) AVAPRITINIB ORAL CHEMOTHERAPY EDUCATION Page 8 Additional resources Product website: https://www.ayvakit.com Product prescribing information: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda docs/ label/2020/212608s000lbl.pdf Product resources: https://www.yourblueprint.com Updated – January 22, 2020 Additional instructions Important notice: The Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC), Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA), National Community Oncology Dispensing Association, Inc. (NCODA), and Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) have collaborated in gathering information for and developing this patient education guide. This guide represents a brief summary of the medication derived from information provided by the drug manufacturer and other resources. This guide does not cover all existing information related to the possible uses, directions, doses, precautions, warnings, interactions, adverse effects, or risks associated with this medication and should not substitute for the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. Provision of this guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or imply endorsement, recommendation, or favoring of this medication by ACCC, HOPA, NCODA, or ONS, who assume no liability for and cannot ensure the accuracy of the information presented. The collaborators are not making any representations with respect to the medications whatsoever, and any and all decisions, with respect to such medications, are at the sole risk of the individual consuming the medication. All decisions related to taking this medication should be made with the guidance and under the direction of a qualified healthcare professional. Permission: Oral Chemotherapy Education (OCE) sheets are provided as a free educational resource for patients with cancer in need of concise, easy to understand information about oral cancer drugs. Healthcare providers are permitted to copy and distribute the sheets to patients as well as direct patients to the OCE website for information. However, commercial reproduction or reuse, as well as rebranding or reposting of any type, are strictly prohibited without permission of the copyright holder. Please email permission requests and licensing inquiries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Copyright © 2020 by Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association. All rights reserved.
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