Zanubrutinib, New Cancer Drug Approved by Health Canada 

Zanubrutinib, New Cancer Drug Approved by Health Canada, that is used to treat mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). MCL is a type of fast-growing cancer that originates from the cells of the immune system. The drug is used in adults who have been treated with at least one other chemotherapy medicine. Zanubrutinib can also be used to treat the following types of lymphoma:

• Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia – This is a slow-growing cancer that starts in some white blood cells found in the bone marrow.
• Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia – This type of cancer begins in the white blood cells
• Small lymphocytic lymphoma – This is a type of cancer that mostly begins in the lymph nodes.
• Marginal zone lymphoma – This is a slow-growing cancer that begins in infection-fighting white blood cells, especially in adults who did not respond to previous medications or whose cancer has returned.

The drug is in the class of medication that is referred to as kinase inhibitors, and it works by blocking the action of abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This action helps stop the spread of cancer cells.

Formulation 

Zanubrutinib, New Cancer Drug Approved by Health Canada, comes in the form of a capsule that is to be taken orally. It is usually taken once or twice a day with or with no food. It should also be taken around the same time daily. The prescription should be strictly adhered to, and explanations should be requested where there is uncertainty or confusion. It is important to take the medication exactly as prescribed and not ingest more or less than what was directed or prescribed by a doctor. The capsules should be swallowed as they are with a glass of water and not opened, crushed or chewed.

Depending on how the patient is responding to the medication and the side effects experienced, the prescribing doctor may choose to interrupt, decrease the dose or completely discontinue the treatment. This is why the patient needs to communicate openly with their doctor throughout the treatment. It is also important that the patient doesn’t stop taking the medication without the permission of the doctor, even if they are feeling better or completely right.

What are the precautions that should be followed?

The following precautions should be adhered to before taking Zanubrutinib, they include:

• The patient should inform their doctor of any existing allergies or if they are allergic to any of the components of the Zanubrutinib capsules. The list of the components should be requested from the pharmacist or prescribing doctor.
• The patient should not breastfeed while on the medication and for up to two weeks after the final dose. They should inform their doctor if they are breastfeeding
• If the patient is about to undergo surgery, they should inform their doctor that they are on zanubrutinib. The doctor may tell them to stop the medication for some time before and after the surgery
• Znubrutinib may increase the patient’s skin sensitivity to sunlight and may make their skin more exposed to the dangerous effects of sunlight like skin cancer. This is why patients on the medication should avoid long exposure to sunlight, wear protective clothing, sunglasses and apply sunscreen
• The patient should inform their doctor about any other medication, herbal supplements, nonprescription medication, vitamins and any other nutritional supplements that they are taking or want to take. This will enable the doctor to adjust the prescription as he sees fit and monitor the patient closely for any signs of side effects
• Omeprazole and St John’s Wort have been known to interact with Zanubrutinib. Inform the healthcare provider if these medications are being taken before starting Zanubrutinib. Also, do not start taking any of the above medications while on Zanubrutinib without proper direction from the prescribing doctor.
• The doctor should be informed if the patient is pregnant, plans on getting pregnant or intends to father a child. The patient should not become pregnant while on the medication. The female patient will usually take a pregnancy test before starting the treatment, they will also use birth control for the duration of the treatment, and at least a week after the final dose. The doctor should be immediately informed if the female partner of a male patient becomes pregnant during treatment, as Zanubrutinib can cause fetal harm.
• The patient’s doctor should also be informed of the past and current medical conditions of the patient especially if they have any conditions that have affected the liver like hepatitis B.

What are the side effects of the medication?

Zanubrutinib can cause some side effects and the doctor should be immediately informed if any of the following symptoms are severe or persist:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Coughing
• Vomiting
• Headaches
• Tiredness
• Muscle pain
• Joint pain
• Nausea

Complications of Zanubrutinib

If any of the following complications are experienced the patient should inform their doctor immediately and seek immediate emergency medical help and intervention:

• Painful, frequent and urgent urination
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Fast and irregular heartbeat
• Palpitations, feeling dizzy, chest pain, shortness of breath or fainting
• Signs of infection like fever, sore throat, chills
• Blood in the stools, or black, tarry stools.
• Pink or brown urine
• Coughing up blood, vomiting blood or coffee-ground vomit

Zanubrutinib can increase the patient’s risk of developing other cancers, including skin cancer. It may also induce other unlisted adverse effects. It is crucial to keep the doctor updated on any side effects experienced. The patient should make sure they keep all of their doctor appointments and also their lab appointments. The doctor may order some lab tests to monitor the patient’s response to the medication. 

Furthermore, the patient should never allow another person to take their prescription in their place. They should always contact their pharmacist about any questions concerning the refilling of the prescription. The patient should also endeavour to talk to their doctor about eating grapefruit and drinking grapefruit juice while taking the medication. In case of a missed dose, they should take the dose as soon as it is remembered and then continue their regular dosing schedule the next day. They should never take double doses to make up for the missed dose.