Why is this medicine prescribed?
Sunvozertinib is used to treat certain types of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Sunvozertinib is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of the abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps stop or slow the spread of cancer cells and may help shrink tumors.
Are there other uses for this medicine?
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used?
Sunvozertinib comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Take with food once a day. Take sunvozertinib at around the same time every day. Your doctor will determine how long you should take sunvozertinib.
Take sunvozertinib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.
During treatment with sunvozertinib, avoid use of topical products (e.g. lotions, creams) that contain alcohol. Look for products labeled isopropanol-free or ethanol-free. Also avoid use of irritating skin products such as products containing retinol, retinoic acid, or benzoyl peroxide. Ask your pharmacist for help selecting safe topical products to use during treatment with sunvozertinib.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking sunvozertinib,
- tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this medication, any part of this medication, or any other medications, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
- some medications should not be taken with sunvozertinib. Other medications may cause dosing changes or extra monitoring when taken with sunvozertinib. Make sure you have discussed any medications you are currently taking or plan to take before starting sunvozertinib with your doctor and pharmacist. Before starting, stopping, or changing any medications while taking sunvozertinib, please get the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
- the following nonprescription or herbal products may interact with sunvozertinib: St John's Wort. Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know that you are taking these medications before you start taking sunvozertinib. Do not start any of these medications while taking sunvozertinib without discussing with your healthcare provider.
- you should know that sunvozertinib may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills, patches, rings, and injections). You will need to use another method of contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking sunvozertinib and for 2 weeks after your last dose. Talk to your doctor about other ways to prevent pregnancy while you are taking this medication.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had eye or vision problems.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You or your partner should not become pregnant while taking sunvozertinib. Sunvozertinib may harm the fetus. You may be asked to take a pregnancy test prior to starting sunvozertinib. You and/or your partner should use effective birth control during treatment with sunvozertinib and for 2 weeks following your last dose. Talk to your doctor about what birth control is best for you and/or your partner.
- tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed during treatment with sunvozertinib and for 2 weeks following your final dose.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Talk to your doctor about eating grapefruit and drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medication.
What should I do if I forget to take a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it if it has been less than 12 hours since scheduled dosing time. However, if more than 12 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What should I do in case of overdose?
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222
. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help . If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
What side effects can this medicine cause?
sunvozertinib may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- decreased appetite
- mouth sores
- feeling tired
- itchy or dry skin
- infection around the skin or nail
- constipation
- muscle or joint pain
- abdominal pain
- decreased weight
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking sunvozertinib and call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- shortness of breath, trouble breathing, cough, fever
- diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
- rash, acne
- pain or difficulty urinating, fever, lower back pain
Sunvozertinib may cause new or worsen existing eye problems. If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop using contact lens and call your doctor immediately: eye pain, increased tears, discharge from eyes or eye crusting, eye redness, blurred vision, light sensitivity, eye irritation, changes or loss of vision, dry eyes, or feeling of object in eye.
Sunvozertinib may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch ) or by phone (
1-800-332-1088).What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. https://www.upandaway.org
Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.