Pemigatinib
(PEH-mih-GA-tih-nib)
(PEH-mih-GA-tih-nib)
Pemigatinib (Pemazyre™) is a kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adults with previously treated, unresectable locally advanced or metastatic cholangiocarcinoma with a fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) fusion or other rearrangement as detected by an FDA-approved test.
Pemigatinib (Pemazyre™) is a kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adults with previously treated, unresectable locally advanced or metastatic cholangiocarcinoma with a fibroblast growth factor recepto...
Page 1 PEMIGATINIB ORAL CHEMOTHERAPY EDUCATION Name of your medication Generic name — pemigatinib (PEH mih GA tih nib) Brand name — Pemazyre™ (PEH muh zeer) Approved uses Pemigatinib is a kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adults with previously treated, unresectable locally advanced or metastatic cholangiocarcinoma with a fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) fusion or other rearrangement as detected by an FDA approved test. Dose and schedule Taking pemigatinib 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 pemigatinib is 13.5 mg orally once daily for 14 consecutive days, followed by 7 days off therapy in 21 day cycles. Pemigatinib can be taken with or without food, but should be taken at the same time each day. Pemigatinib should be taken whole and not crushed, cut, or dissolved. If you are unable to swallow pemigatinib, talk to your care provider or pharmacist for possible options. If you miss a dose of pemigatinib, follow these guidelines: • You can take the missed dose within 4 hours on the same day. If more than 4 hours have passed, do not make up the dose. Take your regular dose of pemigatinib the next day at the usual time. • Do not take more pemigatinib than prescribed to make up for the missed dose. • If you vomit after taking pemigatinib, do not take another pemigatinib tablet. Take your regular dose of pemigatinib the next day at the usual 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 Pemigatinib has many drug interactions. Please inform your care providers of all prescription medications, over the counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Grapefruit or grapefruit juice may interact with pemigatinib. Avoid eating or drinking these during treatment with pemigatinib. Talk with your care provider or pharmacist before taking new medications or supplements, or receiving any vaccines. Storage and handling Handle pemigatinib 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 pemigatinib at room temperature (68°F–77°F) in a dry location away from light. Keep pemigatinib out of reach of children and pets. PEMIGATINIB ORAL CHEMOTHERAPY EDUCATION Page 2 Whenever possible, you should give pemigatinib to yourself and follow the steps below. If a family member, friend, or caregiver needs to give the pemigatinib 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 pemigatinib 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 pemigatinib, 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 pemigatinib. If you are traveling, put your pemigatinib’s packaging in a separate sealed plastic bag. Ask your pharmacist if any additional travel precautions are needed. Side Effects of Pemigatinib Below are common side effects that have been known to happen in about one third or more of patients taking pemigatinib; 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 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 heavy machinery if you feel too tired. Continued on the next page PEMIGATINIB ORAL CHEMOTHERAPY EDUCATION Page 3 Possible Side Effect Management Changes in electrolytes and other laboratory values including • Phosphate levels • Glucose levels • Calcium levels • Sodium 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. Call your care team with any symptoms related to acute change in phosphate levels such as muscle cramps, numbness, or tingling around the mouth. 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 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. Continued on the next page PEMIGATINIB 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 to help with the nausea or vomiting. Constipation 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. • Stay active and exercise, if possible. • Eat foods high in fiber like raw fruits and vegetables. Contact your care provider if you have not had a bowel movement in three or more days. Your care provider may recommend over the counter medications to help with your constipation. A daily stool softener such as docusate (Colace®) and/or a laxative such as senna (Senakot®) may be helpful. If these do not help within 48 hours, tell your provider. 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. Mouth irritation or sores (stomatitis) Practice good mouth care. • Rinse your mouth frequently. • Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush or cotton swab after meals. • Use a mild non alcohol mouth rinse at least 4 times a day (after eating and at bedtime). One example is a mixture of 1/8 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in 8 ounces of warm (not hot) water. • If you have sores in your mouth, avoid using tobacco products, alcohol, and mouthwashes that contain alcohol. Call your care provider if you experience pain or sores in your mouth or throat. Continued on the next page PEMIGATINIB ORAL CHEMOTHERAPY EDUCATION Page 5 Possible Side Effect Management Taste changes Some people experience a metallic or bitter taste in their mouth. To help with taste changes, try the following: • Choose and prepare foods that look and smell good to you. • Use plastic utensils if food tastes like metal. • Flavor foods with spices to change taste. • Suck on mints or chew gum to mask taste. • Brush teeth before and after eating with a soft bristle toothbrush. • Avoid smoking. Notify your doctor if you are having trouble eating or are losing weight. Eye problems Certain eye problems are common but can also be serious. Eye problems include dry eye or inflamed eyes, inflamed cornea (front part of the eye), increased tears, and a disorder of the retina (an internal part of the eye). You will need to see an eye specialist for a complete eye examination before you begin treatment, every 2 months for the first 6 months, and then every 3 months during treatment. You should use artificial tears or substitutes (hydrating or lubricating eye gels) in order to prevent or treat dry eyes. Hair loss (alopecia) Your hair will grow back after treatment is over. Some people choose to wear scarves, caps, or wigs. A short haircut prior to treatment may help with stress of hair loss. Nail changes Usually this change starts at the cuticle and may affect the skin around the nail. • Biting, chewing, or picking at your nails can increase the risk of getting an infection. • Talk to your care provider if you notice any changes in your nails. PEMIGATINIB ORAL CHEMOTHERAPY EDUCATION Page 6 Serious side effects Pemigatinib can cause hyperphosphatemia. You may experience an increase in phosphate levels, and your care team will need to monitor serum phosphate levels. Pemigatinib can cause birth defects. Do not take pemigatinib 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 pemigatinib 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 pemigatinib, 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 Possible Side Effect Management Decreased hemoglobin, the part of the red blood cell that carries 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 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 and feet Changes in liver function Your liver function will 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 PEMIGATINIB ORAL CHEMOTHERAPY EDUCATION Page 7 • 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 pemigatinib 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 pemigatinib. Men and women of childbearing age and potential should use effective contraception during therapy and for a minimum of 1 week after the last dose of pemigatinib. Effective contraception could include 1 or more of the following: oral contraceptive, barrier methods, etc. Do not breastfeed while taking pemigatinib and for 1 week after the last dose of pemigatinib. 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 pemigatinib. (PHARMACY OR SPECIALTY PHARMACY CONTACT INFO) Additional resources Product website: https://www.pemazyre.com Product prescribing information: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda docs/ label/2020/213736s000lbl.pdf Product resources: https://www.incytecares.com/pemazyre/home.aspx Updated – May 1, 2020 PEMIGATINIB ORAL CHEMOTHERAPY EDUCATION Page 8 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.pemigatinib
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