Pemigatinib (Brand Name: Pemazyre)

What’s it used for?

It is used to treat cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) that has spread or cannot be removed by surgery in patients who have already received treatment and have a tumor with a certain type of abnormal “FGFR2” gene.

How do I take it?

• It is often taken as a once daily dose on days 1-14 of a 21-day cycle. Take at about the same time each day.
• Take it with or without food.
• Swallow tablets whole. Do not cut, crush, or chew.

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it has been 4 hours or more since the missed dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What should I know before taking it?

• Tell your doctor, nurse, and pharmacist the names of all medicine. This includes over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products that you take.
• Tell your doctor, nurse, and pharmacist if you have any allergies.
• Tell your doctor if you have vision or eye problems.
• Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
• Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
• Talk to your doctor before getting any vaccines, like the flu shot.
• Tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions.

What are the side effects?

The common ones (more than 3 in 10 people have these)

• Hair loss
• Changes in fingernails
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Tiredness (fatigue)
• Changes in taste
• Decreased appetite
• Mouth sores
• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
• Dry eyes or mouth
• Low blood counts
• Change in liver or kidney function
• Changes in lab values (electrolytes)

Other side effects

• Dry skin
• Swelling in extremities
• Joint or back pain
• Headache
• Urinary tract infection
• Burning or tingling in the hands and soles of feet

When do I call my doctor?

• Any bothersome side effects or any side effects that do not go away
• A temperature  over 101°F or if your temperature stays over 100.4°F for more than an hour
• Severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or belly pain
• Any sign of retinal detachment, such as: changes in vision, such as blurred vision, visual floaters, or flashes of light

Can food interact with it?

Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking this medicine.

Can other drugs interact with it?

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about potential drug interactions before starting any new medicines. Tell your doctor if you are taking carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, or St. John’s Wort.

How do I store it?

• Store at room temperature away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

How do I handle it safely?

• Wash your hands after handling this drug.
• Pregnant women should not handle this drug.

What’s this drug’s class?

Antineoplastic agent, Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor (FGFR) Inhibitor, Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor

Who do I call with questions?

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Example Schedule (repeated)