Dacomitinib is a targeted cancer medicine you take by mouth. It blocks certain proteins that help cancer cells grow. It is not chemotherapy. Your care team may use it when your lung cancer has specific EGFR gene changes.
Brand Name(s)
- US: Vizimpro
- Canada: Vizimpro [DSC]
Warning(s)
This medicine can cause serious side effects. Tell all of your health care providers that you take it, and keep all lab and checkup appointments.
- Severe diarrhea and dehydration can happen. Contact your care team at the first sign of loose stools.
- Lung problems (interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis) have happened and can be life-threatening. Call right away for new or worse shortness of breath, cough, or fever.
- Serious skin reactions and sun sensitivity may occur. Use sunscreen and protective clothing. Moisturize as advised by your care team.
- Nail changes and hand–foot skin reactions can be painful. Report redness, swelling, or peeling on your palms or soles.
- High blood sugar can occur. If you have diabetes, your team may ask you to monitor more closely. Report unusual thirst, frequent urination, or confusion.
- Eye irritation may happen. Tell your team about eye pain, redness, or vision changes.
- Chest pain needs urgent medical attention.
- Allergic reactions are possible. Do not take dacomitinib if you had a serious reaction to it or its ingredients.
- Drug interactions: medicines that reduce stomach acid can affect how well dacomitinib is absorbed. Proton pump inhibitors (dexlansoprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole) are generally not recommended. H2 blockers (cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine, ranitidine) and antacids may also interact. Ask your care team before using them.
- Dacomitinib can affect how other medicines work (it can interact with drugs processed by CYP2D6, such as some antidepressants and cough/cold medicines). Always check before starting or stopping any prescription, OTC, or herbal products.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: this drug can harm an unborn baby. You may need a pregnancy test before starting. Use birth control during treatment and for at least 17 days after your last dose. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 17 days after the last dose.
- Adults 65 and older may have more side effects. Closer monitoring may be needed.
Kind of Cancers It Is Used For (not a complete list)
- Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has specific EGFR gene mutations (such as exon 19 deletion or exon 21 L858R).
- Often used as an initial treatment for adults with EGFR-positive NSCLC.
Mechanism of Action
Dacomitinib is a kinase inhibitor. It blocks EGFR (also called HER1), as well as related proteins HER2 and HER4. By shutting down these signals, it helps slow or stop cancer cell growth. In tumors driven by EGFR mutations, this can shrink tumors or delay cancer growth.
Common Side Effects
- Diarrhea
- Nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, or weight loss
- Mouth irritation or sores
- Skin changes: dry skin, rash, acne-like bumps, itching
- Nail changes or tenderness around the nails
- Redness or soreness on the palms and soles
- Hair loss
- Eye irritation or dry eyes
- Muscle or joint pain; pain in arms or legs
- Feeling tired or weak; trouble sleeping
- Constipation or common cold symptoms
- Changes in taste
Not all possible side effects are listed here. Contact your care team if side effects do not get better or become severe. Call right away for signs of an allergic reaction (such as rash, hives, swelling, or trouble breathing) or for any symptoms listed in the Warnings.
Last reviewed: 2025-12-17
