Pemigatinib Tablets
What is this medication?
PEMIGATINIB (PEM i GA ti nib) treats bile duct cancer. It may also be used to treat a type of bone marrow cancer (myeloid/lymphoid neoplasm). It works by blocking a protein that causes cancer cells to grow and multiply. This helps to slow or stop the spread of cancer cells.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Pemazyre
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- High levels of phosphorous in the blood
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Vision problems
- An unusual or allergic reaction to pemigatinib, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- Breast-feeding
How should I use this medication?
Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medication. Swallow the tablets whole. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop. There may be unused or extra doses in the bottle after you finish the dosing cycle. Talk to your care team if you have questions about your dose. Your care team may change your dose or tell you to stop taking this medication if you get side effects. Do not change your dose or stop taking it unless your care team tells you to.
Do not take this medication with grapefruit juice.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can unless it is more than 4 hours late. If it is more than 4 hours late, skip the missed dose. Take the next dose at the normal time.
What may interact with this medication?
- Certain antibiotics, such as erythromycin or clarithromycin
- Certain antivirals for HIV or hepatitis
- Certain medications for fungal infections, such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole
- Certain medications for seizures, such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
- Grapefruit juice
- St. John's Wort
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular check on your progress. It may be some time before you see the benefit from this medication.
You may need bloodwork done while taking this medication.
This medication may cause dry eyes. If you wear contact lenses, you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating eye drops may help. See your care team if the problem does not go away or is severe.
Your vision may be tested before and during use of this medication. Tell your care team right away if you have any change in your eyesight.
Do not become pregnant while taking this medication or for 1 week after stopping it. Talk to your care team if you or your partner wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Contraception is recommended while taking this medication and for 1 week after stopping it. Talk to your care team about effective forms of contraception.
Do not breast-feed while taking this medication or for 1 week after stopping it.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Blurry vision, vision loss, seeing wavy or bent objects or blind spots with dark, light, or flashing spots
- High phosphorus level—muscle pain or cramps, bone or joint pain, numbness and tingling around the mouth
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Change in taste
- Diarrhea
- Dry eyes
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Nail lifting where the nail detaches from the nail bed
- Nausea
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
- Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
- If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Additional Information From Chemocare.com About Pemigatinib
Self-Care Tips
- Drink at least two to three quarts of fluid every 24 hours, unless you are instructed otherwise.
- You may be at risk of infection, so try to avoid crowds or people with colds, and report fever or any other signs of infection immediately to your health care provider.
- Wash your hands often.
- To help treat/prevent mouth sores, use a soft toothbrush, and rinse three times a day with 1 teaspoon of baking soda mixed with 8 ounces of water.
- Use an electric razor and a soft toothbrush to minimize bleeding.
- Avoid contact sports or activities that could cause injury.
- To reduce nausea, take anti-nausea medications as prescribed by your doctor, and eat small, frequent meals.
- Follow recommended regimen of anti-diarrhea medication as prescribed by your health care professional.
- Eat foods that may help reduce diarrhea (see managing side effects - diarrhea).
- Avoid sun exposure. Wear SPF 30 (or higher) sunblock and protective clothing.
- In general, drinking alcoholic beverages should be kept to a minimum or avoided completely. You should discuss this with your doctor.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Maintain good nutrition.
- Remain active as you are able. Gentle exercise is encouraged such as a daily walk.
- Have a routine eye exam performed every 2-3 months while taking this medication.
- If you experience symptoms or side effects, be sure to discuss them with your health care team. They can prescribe medications and/or offer other suggestions that are effective in managing such problems.
When to Contact Your Doctor or Health Care Provider
Contact your health care provider immediately, day or night, if you should experience any of the following symptoms:
- Fever of 100.4º F (38º C) or higher, chills (possible signs of infection)
- Shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, closing up of the throat, swelling of facial features, hives (possible allergic reaction).
The following symptoms require medical attention, but are not an emergency. Contact your health care provider within 24 hours of noticing any of the following:
- Nausea (interferes with ability to eat and unrelieved with prescribed medication)
- Vomiting (vomiting more than 4-5 times in a 24 hour period)
- Diarrhea (4-6 episodes in a 24-hour period)
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Black or tarry stools, or blood in your stools
- Blood in the urine
- Pain or burning with urination
- Extreme fatigue (unable to carry on self-care activities)
- Mouth sores (painful redness, swelling or ulcers)
- Changes in eyesight or eye pain
- Rash, hives, or blistered and peeling skin
- Mood changes
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Signs of infection such as redness or swelling, pain or swallowing, coughing up mucous, or painful urination.
- Unable to eat or drink for 24 hours or have signs of dehydration: tiredness, thirst, dry mouth, dark and decreased amount of urine, or dizziness.
- Depressed (interfering with your ability to carry on your regular activities).
- Any skin or nail changes (rash, itching, severe dryness, blisters, nail infection, inflammation of the lips, etc.).
Always inform your health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.
