Dacomitinib Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 4, 2025.

Applies to dacomitinib: oral tablet.

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:

More common side effects

• blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin
• body aches or pain
• chest pain
• chills
• cough
• cracked lips
• cracked, dry, or scaly skin
• deep cracks, grooves, or lines in the skin
• diarrhea
• difficulty in swallowing
• ear congestion
• fever
• headache
• itching, skin rash
• loosening of the fingernails
• loss of voice
• nasal congestion
• redness or soreness around the fingernails
• redness, swelling, or pain of the skin
• runny nose
• scaling of the skin on the hands and feet
• sneezing
• sore throat sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips, tongue, or inside the mouth
• swelling
• tightness in the chest
• tingling of the hands and feet
• trouble breathing
• ulceration of the skin
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common side effects

• confusion
• decreased urination
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• fainting
• fever
• increase in heart rate
• lightheadedness
• loss of heat from the body
• rapid breathing
• sunken eyes
• thirst
• wrinkled skin

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:

More common side effects

• burning, dry, or itching eyes
• change in taste
• constipation
• decreased appetite
• decreased weight
• discharge, excessive tearing
• hair loss or thinning of hair
• increased hair growth on the forehead, back, arms, and legs
• lack or loss of strength
• loss of taste
• nausea
• redness, pain, or swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid
• trouble sleeping
• vomiting

Less common side effects

• eye redness, irritation, or pain

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]

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