Dacomitinib Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 13, 2024.

Applies to dacomitinib: oral tablet.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for at least 17 days after the last dose to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using this medicine, tell your doctor right away.

This medicine may cause swelling of the lungs (pneumonitis) or interstitial lung disease. These are life-threatening conditions and require immediate medical attention. The symptoms may be similar to the symptoms from lung cancer. Check with your doctor right away if you have new or worsening cough, fever, or trouble breathing.

Cancer medicines can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain in most people, sometimes even after receiving medicines to prevent it. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control these unwanted effects.

Serious skin reactions can occur with this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you have blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, red skin lesions, severe acne or a skin rash, sores or ulcers on the skin, or fever or chills with this medicine.

Apply moisturizer and avoid overexposing your skin to sunlight. Always use sunscreen or sun blocking lotions and wear protective clothing and hats while you are using this medicine.

Serious side effects of dacomitinib

Along with its needed effects, dacomitinib may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking dacomitinib:

Other side effects of dacomitinib

Some side effects of dacomitinib may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to dacomitinib: oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most common (greater than 20%) adverse reactions were diarrhea (87%), rash (69%), paronychia (64%), stomatitis (45%), decreased appetite (31%), dry skin (30%), decreased weight (26%), alopecia (23%), cough (21%), and pruritus (21%).^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Pain in extremity (14%), musculoskeletal pain (12%)^[Ref]

Ocular

• Very common (10% or more): Conjunctivitis (19%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Keratitis^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Hyperglycemia (36%), hypocalcemia (33%), decreased appetite (31%), decreased weight (26%), hyponatremia (26%), alkaline phosphatase increased (22%), hypomagnesemia (22%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dehydration^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Very common (10% or more): Insomnia (11%)^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Very common (10% or more): ALT increased (40%), AST increased (35%), hyperbilirubinemia (16%)^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Cough (21%), nasal mucosal disorder (i.e., epistaxis, nasal inflammation, nasal mucosal ulcer, rhinitis) (19%), dyspnea (13%), upper respiratory tract infection (12%), chest pain (10%)^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Asthenia (13%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Anemia (44%), hypoalbuminemia (44%), lymphopenia (42%)^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Dysgeusia^[Ref]

Renal

• Very common (10% or more): Creatinine increased (24%)^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Rash (i.e., dermatitis acneiform, rash, rash maculopapular)/exfoliative skin reactions (78%), paronychia (i.e., nail infection, nail toxicity, onychoclasis, onycholysis, onychomadesis) (64%), dry skin (i.e., xerosis) (30%), alopecia (30%), pruritus (21%), palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (15%), dermatitis (11%)^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Diarrhea (87%), stomatitis (i.e., mucosal inflammation) (45%), nausea (19%) constipation (13%), mouth ulceration (12%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Vomiting^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• What type of lung cancer is Vizimpro used to treat?

Further information

Dacomitinib side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer