Capivasertib - Oral

Capivasertib is used together with other medicines to treat breast cancer that has one or more abnormal genes. It is used for those who have failed previous therapy.

Take Capivasertib 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.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.

Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not divide, crush or chew the tablet. Do not swallow the tablet if it is broken, cracked or damaged.

If you vomit after taking Capivasertib, 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 response to the medication.

Capivasertib 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.

If you miss a dose and it is within 4 hours from the time you usually take it, take the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

If it is more than 4 hours after your usual dosing schedule, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at 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.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• history of diabetes mellitus
• moderate hepatic impairment

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant.

Both men and women must use proven birth control methods during Capivasertib therapy and for 4 weeks (in women) or 16 weeks (in men) after stopping the treatment. You may wish to discuss other reliable methods of birth control with your doctor.

Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor may recommend that you stop breastfeeding during treatment.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.

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 genetic testing must be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to take.
• Routine tests (e.g. fasting blood sugar levels, liver function) may be done before starting and while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
• Regular monitoring of diarrhoea and signs or symptoms of skin reactions may also be needed.

Capivasertib may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, indigestion, mouth sores, itching, dry skin, changes in taste, and decreased appetite.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• excessive thirst, unusual tiredness, fruity-smelling breath, changes in the amount of urine passed, increased appetite with weight loss
• rashes, fever, tender or enlarged lymph nodes, swelling of the face
• irritation or redness of the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
• muscle pain, cramps or spasms, weakness, confusion, abnormal heartbeat, severe nausea or vomiting

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 to treat fungal infection e.g. itraconazole, ketoconazole, fluconazole
• certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin, nafcillin, ciprofloxacin
• medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir, saquinavir, cobicistat
• medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin
• medicines to treat depression e.g. nefazodone, fluvoxamine
• certain medicines for high blood pressure e.g. diltiazem, verapamil
• St. John's wort (herbal medicine)
• thioridazine (medicine for mood disorders)

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Capivasertib.

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 grapefruit or grapefruit juice (more than 1 litre a day).

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

As Capivasertib is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired medicine to the clinic, hospital, or pharmacy for disposal. Do not throw it away in the household waste.