Pralsetinib is used to treat cancers of the lung and thyroid gland. It is used in individuals with certain abnormal changes in the gene called rearranged during transfection (RET).
This medicine is used for those whose tumour has spread to other parts of the body.
Take Pralsetinib 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.
Take this medicine on an empty stomach. Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. Try to take it at the same time each day. Do not eat for at least 2 hours before and at least 1 hour after taking this medicine.
If you vomit after taking Pralsetinib, 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 your condition or your response to the medication.
Pralsetinib 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.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it on the same day 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.
Alert your doctor if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure as Pralsetinib may not be suitable for you.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine and for at least 1 week after stopping the treatment.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of heart rhythm problems
- fast-growing tumours or a high number of cancer cells or tumour size
- kidney problems
- moderate to severe liver disease
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Pralsetinib to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or planning to have a baby. It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with this medicine. You must use proven birth control methods during Pralsetinib therapy and for at least 2 weeks after stopping the treatment. Birth control medicines containing hormones may not be effective. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.
Men with partners that may become pregnant must use proven birth control methods during treatment and for at least 1 week after stopping the treatment.
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
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 and verification of RET gene must be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to take.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver function, electrolyte levels, ECG [test used to record the electrical activity of the heart]) 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 regularly during treatment.
- Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of lung problems, bleeding, problems in wound healing, and tumour lysis syndrome (a condition caused by a fast breakdown of cancer cells) may also be needed.
Pralsetinib may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dry mouth, constipation, stomach pain, fever, tiredness, muscle pain, headache, and rash.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- coughing up blood or blood clots, passing out bloody or black as tar stools and vomiting blood or ground coffee-like material
- signs and symptoms of lung problems e.g. shortness of breath, cough, fever
- signs and symptoms of liver problems e.g. yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
- signs and symptoms of tumour lysis syndrome e.g. shortness of breath, muscle cramps or weakness, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, feeling sluggish
This medicine may cause the level of your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets to drop.
Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.
White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Inform your doctor if you have a fever, cough, or flu that does not go away.
Platelets help your blood to clot when there is a cut in the skin. A fall in the level of your platelets may put you at risk of bleeding more than usual. Do not take part in activities where you may fall or get injured, such as contact sports. Inform your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises, especially if the bruises appeared on their own) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).
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:
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir, saquinavir
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole
- certain antibiotics e.g. telithromycin
- medicines for fits or seizures e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB, a lung infection known as tuberculosis)
- nefazodone (medicine to treat depression)
- St. John's wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Pralsetinib.
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 Seville oranges, grapefruit or grapefruit juice (more than 1 litre a day).
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
As Pralsetinib is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired capsules to the clinic, hospital, or pharmacy for disposal. Do not throw it away in the household waste.
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