Where is Pralsetinib used?
Pralsetinib is a medication used for the treatment of certain types of cancer. This is in the class of drugs called kinase inhibitors that are used in people with lung and thyroid cancer. This helps slow or stop the growth of cells that causes cancer. This is an FDA-approved prescription to be used in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older.
How does Pralsetinib work?
Pralsetinib is a kinase inhibitor which is an enzyme that stimulates cell development. There are several types of kinases that help control different phases of cell growth. This medication can slow the growth of cancer cells by blocking a particular enzyme from working.
Pralsetinib is a type of targeted therapy that blocks a protein known as rearranged during transfection (RET). This drug blocks RET fusions that lead to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer. By preventing RET, this medicine can stop or slow the growth of the tumor.
How is Pralsetinib taken?
Pralsetinib is taken by mouth, once a day. Each dose is taken on an empty stomach. You must not eat 2 hours before or 1 hour after taking the medication. Do not chew, crush, or open the medicine. It is very important to make sure you are taking the right amount of medicine every time. Before each dosage, check that what you are taking matches what you have been prescribed. If you miss your dose and it is still the same day, take your missed dose as soon as possible and resume your schedule as normal on the next day. Do not take an extra dose if you vomit after taking it and resume your normal schedule the next day.
The blood levels of this medicine can be affected by certain foods and medications, so they should be avoided. These include:
- Rifampin
- Verapamil
- Grapefruit juice
- Grapefruit
- Ketoconazole
- Itraconazole
- Phenytoin, St. John’s wort
Make sure that your healthcare provider knows about all supplements and medications you take.
What are the possible side effects of Pralsetinib?
If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor or get emergency medical treatment right away:
- Vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds
- Frequent nose bleeds
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Confusion
- Difficulty speaking
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- Muscle or bone pain
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Swelling of feet, ankles, or hands
What are the precautions in taking Pralsetinib?
- Your doctor must check your improvement at regular visits to make sure that this medication is working well. Blood tests may be necessary to check for unwanted effects.
- Before using this medication, talk with your doctor if you plan to have children. Some men and women using this medication are unable to have children. However, if you think you have become pregnant, tell your doctor right away.
- Do not take other medications unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes non-prescription or prescription as well as herbal and vitamin supplements.
- Check with your doctor first if you are breastfeeding women.
