Dacomitinib is a second-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which has been approved in China for the first-line treatment of EGFR mutation-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The drug has been launched and included in the national medical insurance catalog, and patients can obtain it through a variety of formal channels. This article will detail the purchase channels of Dacomitinib. Patients can purchase this drug from hospital pharmacies, physical pharmacies, and online pharmaceutical platforms.
What Are the Purchase Channels for Dacomitinib?
Dacomitinib has been launched in China and included in medical insurance. Patients can purchase it through the following formal channels. Choosing formal medical institutions to buy Dacomitinib ensures the quality of the drug and the therapeutic effect, while also allowing patients to enjoy medical insurance reimbursement policies.
Purchase from Hospital Pharmacies
Oncology pharmacies in domestic hospitals are usually stocked with Dacomitinib. Patients can purchase it directly with a doctor's prescription. The price of the original research drug (45mg*30 capsules) is approximately 858 US dollars. Hospital pharmacies have reliable drug sources, and professional pharmacists provide medication guidance.
Purchase from Designated Medical Insurance Pharmacies
Dacomitinib is available with a prescription at large chain pharmacies designated by medical insurance. The price of generic versions is more affordable. When purchasing, patients need to confirm the drug approval number and expiration date.
Purchase from Online Platforms
With the popularization of the Internet, online pharmaceutical platforms have gradually become a new choice for patients to buy Dacomitinib. These platforms usually provide rich drug information, convenient purchasing processes, and high-quality after-sales services. However, patients must carefully select formal and reliable online pharmacies when making purchases.
Usage and Dosage of Dacomitinib
The correct use of Dacomitinib is crucial for its efficacy and safety. Strictly following the doctor's advice to use Dacomitinib and conducting regular re-examinations of relevant indicators can maximize the drug's efficacy and reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions.
Standard Administration Regimen
The recommended dose is 45mg taken orally once a day, either before or after meals. The daily medication time should be fixed. If a dose is missed, there is no need to make up for it. In case of grade 2 or higher adverse reactions, medication should be suspended. After the symptoms are relieved, the dose can be reduced to 30mg or 15mg to continue treatment.
Special Precautions
Concurrent use of Dacomitinib with proton pump inhibitors should be avoided. If antacid treatment is necessary, H2 receptor antagonists can be used, and the interval between administrations should be more than 6 hours.
Patients with mild hepatic or renal impairment do not need dose adjustment, while patients with severe renal impairment should use the drug with caution.
Therapeutic Effects of Dacomitinib
Dacomitinib has shown significant efficacy in the treatment of EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC.
Clinical Data
The ARCHER 1050 study showed that the median progression-free survival (PFS) of the Dacomitinib group was longer, which was significantly better than that of first-generation TKIs. The data in the Asian population is even more prominent, with excellent median overall survival (OS) data.
Target Advantage
As a pan-HER inhibitor, Dacomitinib not only inhibits EGFR but also exerts inhibitory effects on HER2 and HER4. This multi-target property may delay the occurrence of drug resistance and prolong the duration of benefits for patients.
Dacomitinib provides a better treatment option for patients with EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC, but it must be used standardized under the guidance of a doctor, and adverse reactions should be closely monitored.
