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Vizimpro (dacomitinib)

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By Editorial Team

2 min read

Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: September 2023 | Last updated: October 2023

Vizimpro® (dacomitinib) is a first-line treatment for people with metastatic (has spread to other parts of the body) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with certain abnormal epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) genes.1

EGFR is a protein on cells that helps them grow. A change (mutation) in the gene for EGFR can make it grow too much, which can cause cancer. About 10 to 15 percent of people with NSCLC have an EGFR mutation. EGFR mutations are most often found in tumors in people who have never smoked. People may be considered “never smokers” if they have smoked less than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime.1,2

Researchers have identified different types of EGFR mutations. Vizimpro is approved to treat the EGFR exon 19 deletion or exon 21 L858R substitution mutations. Doctors use genetic tests to determine these mutations.1,2

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What are the ingredients in Vizimpro?

The active ingredient in Vizimpro is dacomitinib.1

How does Vizimpro work?

Lung cancers that have an EGFR mutation have too many EGFR receptors on the surface of their cells. Vizimpro helps block these receptors and disrupts the activity of the EGFR receptor to slow down cancer growth.1

What are the possible side effects?

The most common side effects of Vizimpro include:1

Vizimpro can also cause skin reactions. Minimize exposure to sunlight during treatment with Vizimpro.1

These are not all the possible side effects of Vizimpro. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when taking Vizimpro. You also should call your doctor if you have any changes that concern you when taking Vizimpro.

Other things to know

Before starting treatment with Vizimpro, tell your doctor if you have:1

  • Frequent diarrhea
  • A history of lung or breathing problems other than lung cancer

Vizimpro can harm an unborn baby. If you can become pregnant, you should use birth control during treatment and for some time after the last dose of Vizimpro. You should also not breastfeed during treatment with Vizimpro and for some time after the last dose. Talk to your doctor about your options for birth control and breastfeeding while taking Vizimpro.1

Before beginning treatment for lung cancer, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs

For more information, read the full prescribing information of Vizimpro.