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Kinase inhibitor

VIZIMPRO (dacomitinib) is an oral medication used as a first-line treatment for patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has specific genetic mutations (EGFR exon 19 deletion or exon 21 L858R substitution). It works by blocking certain proteins that help cancer cells grow.

How it worksDacomitinib is a kinase inhibitor that stops the activity of the human EGFR family of proteins. By blocking these proteins, it helps slow down the growth of certain types of lung cancer.

Brand names:VIZIMPRO

Used for
First-line treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with EGFR exon 19 deletion or exon 21 L858R substitution mutations.
Conditions
Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
Class
Kinase InhibitorEGFR InhibitorKinase inhibitorRespiratoryGastrointestinalIntegumentary (Skin)

How to take

FormsOral tablet
RoutesOral

The recommended dose is 45 mg taken by mouth once every day, with or without food.

Take the medication at the same time each day. If you miss a dose or vomit, do not take an extra dose; just continue with your next scheduled dose.

Missed dose: If you miss a dose or vomit, do not take an additional dose or make up a missed dose but continue with the next scheduled dose.

Key warnings

  • ·Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD): Monitor for worsening cough, fever, or trouble breathing.
  • ·Severe Diarrhea: Severe cases have been reported; monitor and report to a doctor.
  • ·Skin Reactions: Monitor for significant changes in skin condition.
  • ·Pregnancy: This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby.

Do not use if

  • ·None listed

Side effects

Common

DiarrheaRashSkin around fingernails swelling (paronychia)Mouth sores (stomatitis)Decreased appetiteDry skinWeight lossHair lossCoughItchy skin

Serious

  • ·Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD): A serious lung condition that may require stopping the drug permanently.
  • ·Severe diarrhea: Can be life-threatening.
  • ·Skin reactions: Severe skin issues may require stopping or lowering the dose.
  • ·Fetal harm: This drug can cause birth defects.

Seek help if

  • ·Severe diarrhea
  • ·Lung disease
  • ·Skin reactions
  • ·Pregnancy

Interactions

  • ·Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Avoid using PPIs with VIZIMPRO as they can make the medicine less effective. Use antacids or H2-blockers instead, but space them at least 6 hours before or 10 hours after taking VIZIMPRO.
  • ·CYP2D6 substrates: VIZIMPRO can increase the levels of other drugs processed by the CYP2D6 enzyme, which might lead to dangerous side effects from those other drugs.
FoodVIZIMPRO can be taken with or without food.

Special populations

PregnancyVIZIMPRO can cause fetal harm. Women of childbearing age should use effective birth control while taking this medicine. There is no specific data on use in pregnant women, but animal studies showed risks of pregnancy loss and reduced fetal weight.

PediatricThe safety and effectiveness of VIZIMPRO in children have not been tested.

GeriatricIn clinical studies, older adults (65+) experienced more severe side effects and were more likely to stop taking the medication compared to younger patients.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

  • ·Respiratory symptoms (cough, fever, dyspnea)
  • ·Diarrhea severity
  • ·Skin rashes
  • ·Weight changes

Questions to ask

  • ·What are the signs of interstitial lung disease I should watch for?
  • ·How should I manage diarrhea while on VIZIMPRO?
  • ·Which of my current medications might interact with dacomitinib?
  • ·Should I avoid certain types of antacids?

Pharmacokinetics

BioavailabilityThe mean absolute bioavailability of dacomitinib is 80% after oral administration.
MetabolismProcessed by CYP2D6

Practical

StorageStore between 20 °C to 25 °C (68 °F to 77 °F). Temporary excursions between 15 °C to 30 °C (59 °F to 86 °F) are allowed.

Ingredients

Allergens

lactoseFD&C Blue #2

Inactive

lactose monohydratemicrocrystalline cellulosesodium starch glycolatemagnesium stearatePolyvinyl alcohol – partially hydrolyzedTalcTitanium dioxideMacrogol/PEG 3350FD&C Blue #2/Indigo Carmine Aluminum Lake

Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-25.