Fostamatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor mainly used to treat thrombocytopenia. When using this drug, it is very important to understand its side effects and precautions to ensure the safety of medication.
Side effects and precautions of Fostamatinib
As a prescription drug, Fostamatinib needs to be used under the guidance of a doctor. The drug may bring a series of side effects, and patients should fully understand it before use.
Common side effects
The most common adverse reactions of Fostamatinib include respiratory tract infection, dizziness, increased alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase, diarrhea, hypertension, nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, chest pain, rash and neutropenia. The incidence of these side effects is high, but not all patients will experience them, and the specific side effects may vary depending on individual circumstances.
Precautions
In addition to understanding the side effects, patients also need to pay attention to the following when using Fostamatinib:
Fostamatinib treatment can cause hypertension, and patients with hypertension may be more susceptible. Before the Fostamatinib dose is stable, blood pressure should be monitored every 2 weeks and antihypertensive treatment should be started or hypertension treatment should be adjusted monthly. If blood pressure continues to increase, Fostamatinib may need to be suspended, the dose reduced, or discontinued.
Patients treated with Fostamatinib may experience elevated liver function tests (LFTs), mainly elevated alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. Transaminase levels in most patients return to baseline within 2-6 weeks after dose adjustment. Monitor liver function tests monthly during treatment, and if alanine aminotransferase or aspartate aminotransferase increases more than 3 times the upper limit of normal (ULN), the drug should be suspended, reduced, or discontinued to manage liver toxicity.
Monitor patients for diarrhea and use supportive care measures early, including changes in diet, hydration, and/or antidiarrheal medications. If diarrhea worsens (≥ Grade 3), Fostamatinib needs to be suspended, the dose reduced, or discontinued.
Monitor neutrophil counts (ANC) monthly and monitor patients for infections during Fostamatinib treatment. Manage toxicity by suspending Fostamatinib, reducing the dose, or stopping the drug.
Pregnant women taking Fostamatinib can cause fetal harm. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception for at least 1 month after a dose during treatment.
After understanding the side effects and precautions of Fostamatinib, patients should be more cautious when using this drug, especially those with hypertension who need special attention during medication.
Precautions for patients with hypertension on Fostamatinib
For patients who already have hypertension, extra caution is required when using Fostamatinib to avoid health risks caused by further increases in blood pressure.
Blood pressure monitoring
Before the Fostamatinib dose is stable, blood pressure should be monitored every 2 weeks to ensure that blood pressure is controlled within a safe range. If blood pressure continues to rise, seek medical attention in a timely manner. The doctor may recommend suspending the use of Fostamatinib, reducing the dose, or stopping the drug.
Adjustment of antihypertensive treatment
When starting Fostamatinib treatment, patients should discuss with their doctor whether antihypertensive treatment plans need to be adjusted. Based on the results of blood pressure monitoring, the doctor may recommend increasing the dose of antihypertensive drugs or adjusting the type of medication to ensure stable blood pressure.
Hypertensive patients should pay close attention to changes in blood pressure during medication, maintain close communication with the doctor, and adjust the treatment plan in a timely manner.
Fostamatinib dose adjustment
Fostamatinib dose adjustment is essential to ensure medication safety and efficacy. Dose adjustment should be based on the patient's specific situation and adverse reactions.
Adjustment based on adverse reactions
Fostamatinib dose adjustment recommendations are based on the patient's personal safety and tolerability. The treatment of certain adverse reactions may require suspension, reduction or discontinuation of medication. For example, if severe diarrhea or neutropenia occurs, the doctor may recommend reducing the dose of Fostamatinib or suspending the medication.
Adjustment of drug interactions
When Fostamatinib is used in combination with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, the exposure to R406 (the main active metabolite) will be increased. The dose-related toxicity of Fostamatinib should be monitored to consider whether the dosage needs to be adjusted. When Fostamatinib is used in combination with a strong CYP3A4 inducer, the exposure of R406 can be reduced, so it is not recommended to use it together.
When using Fostamatinib, patients should follow the doctor's instructions, take the medicine on time and in the right amount, and should not adjust the dose on their own. They should have regular follow-up visits and communicate with the doctor about any problems or discomfort during the medication process so that the treatment plan can be adjusted in time.
Finally, a warm reminder to all patients that Fostamatinib is a prescription drug. Please be sure to consult a doctor before use and use it according to the doctor's instructions. If you have any questions or discomfort during medication, you should consult a doctor in time.
