Fruquintinib
Colorectal Neoplasms
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Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
No
Pharmaceutical Class
NA
Controlled Drug Substance
No
Fruquintinib
Summary
Fruquintinib is used to treat metastatic colorectal cancer in adults who have not responded to other chemotherapy treatments. It's specifically used when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Fruquintinib works by inhibiting kinase enzymes, which are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. By blocking these enzymes, it helps slow or stop the progression of cancer.
The usual daily dose for adults is 5 mg, taken orally once daily for the first 21 days of each 28-day cycle. It should be taken at the same time each day with or without food.
Common side effects of Fruquintinib include hypertension, proteinuria, fatigue, and gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain. More serious adverse effects can include severe bleeding, infections, gastrointestinal perforation, and liver function abnormalities.
Fruquintinib can cause fetal harm and is not recommended during pregnancy. It's also advised not to breastfeed during treatment and for 2 weeks after the last dose. It may interact with strong CYP3A inducers, decreasing its effectiveness. It's contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug.
Indications and Purpose
How does Fruquintinib work?
Fruquintinib is a kinase inhibitor that targets vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR) -1, -2, and -3. By inhibiting these receptors, it prevents the growth of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow and spread, thereby slowing or stopping cancer progression.
Is Fruquintinib effective?
Fruquintinib has been shown to be effective in treating metastatic colorectal cancer in patients who have previously been treated with other chemotherapy medications. Clinical trials, such as FRESCO and FRESCO-2, demonstrated that Fruquintinib significantly improved overall survival and progression-free survival compared to placebo.
What is Fruquintinib?
Fruquintinib is used to treat metastatic colorectal cancer in adults who have not responded to other chemotherapy treatments. It works by inhibiting kinase enzymes, which are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. By blocking these enzymes, Fruquintinib helps slow or stop the progression of cancer.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take Fruquintinib?
Fruquintinib is typically used until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs. The treatment cycle is 28 days, with the medication taken for the first 21 days followed by a 7-day rest period.
How do I take Fruquintinib?
Fruquintinib should be taken orally once daily, with or without food, for the first 21 days of a 28-day cycle. It is important to take it at the same time each day. There are no specific food restrictions, but patients should follow their healthcare provider's advice regarding diet.
How should I store Fruquintinib?
Store Fruquintinib at room temperature between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Keep it in its original container, tightly closed, and away from excess heat and moisture. Ensure it is out of reach of children and do not store it in the bathroom.
What is the usual dose of Fruquintinib?
The usual daily dose for adults is 5 mg taken orally once daily for the first 21 days of each 28-day cycle. There is no established dose for children as the safety and efficacy of Fruquintinib in patients younger than 18 years have not been established.
Warnings and Precautions
Can Fruquintinib be taken safely while breastfeeding?
It is not known if Fruquintinib passes into breast milk. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in the breastfed child, women are advised not to breastfeed during treatment with Fruquintinib and for 2 weeks after the last dose.
Can Fruquintinib be taken safely while pregnant?
Fruquintinib can cause fetal harm and is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for 2 weeks after the last dose. If pregnancy occurs, patients should be informed of the potential risk to the fetus.
Can I take Fruquintinib with other prescription drugs?
Fruquintinib may interact with strong CYP3A inducers, which can decrease its effectiveness. It is important to avoid using strong CYP3A inducers like rifampin while taking Fruquintinib. Patients should inform their healthcare provider about all medications they are taking to avoid potential interactions.
Is Fruquintinib safe for the elderly?
There are no specific dosage adjustments required for elderly patients using Fruquintinib. However, as with any medication, elderly patients should be monitored closely for side effects and overall response to treatment. It is important to follow the healthcare provider's instructions and report any unusual symptoms.
Who should avoid taking Fruquintinib?
Important warnings for Fruquintinib include the risk of hypertension, hemorrhagic events, infections, gastrointestinal perforation, hepatotoxicity, proteinuria, and impaired wound healing. Patients should be monitored for these conditions, and the medication should be discontinued if severe adverse reactions occur. Fruquintinib is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug or its components.
