Fruquintinib - Oral

Fruquintinib is used to treat cancer of the bowel and rectum.

It is used for those who have failed previous therapy with other medicines for cancer.

Take Fruquintinib 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 capsule whole with a glass of water. Do not open, chew, or crush the capsule.

If you vomit after taking Fruquintinib, 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 course of treatment depending on the severity of your condition and your response to the medication.

Fruquintinib 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. If more than 12 hours have passed since the missed dose, skip the missed dose 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.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• history of blockage of a blood vessel due to a blood clot
• high blood pressure
• severe liver disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant. It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with Fruquintinib.

Both men and women must use proven birth control methods during Fruquintinib therapy and up to 1 month after stopping the treatment. You may wish to discuss reliable methods of birth control with your doctor or pharmacist.

Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding during treatment and for 2 weeks after the last dose of this medicine.

If you are going to have a major operation, inform your doctor 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 must be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to take.
• Routine tests (e.g. liver function, urine test) may be done before starting the treatment and 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 skin reactions, stomach and bowel problems, infections, and bleeding problems may also be needed.

Fruquintinib may cause any of the following side effects: diarrhoea, mouth sores, throat pain, changes in voice, loss of appetite, muscle pain, and joint pain.

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

• pass out bloody or black as tar stools and vomiting blood or ground coffee-like material
• fever, severe cough with or without phlegm
• yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
• severe headache, dizziness or lightheadedness, changes in eyesight
• chest pain, tightness or pressure, pain that may spread to the arms, jaw, neck, shoulder or back, shortness of breath
• weakness or numbness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, vision problems, changes in balance or coordination
• redness or irritation of the palms or soles

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 rifampicin (medicine to treat TB [lung infection known as tuberculosis]).

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.

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

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

As Fruquintinib 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.