Which Patients Are Suitable for Pralsetinib?

Pralsetinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor administered via oral route.

Which Patients Are Suitable for Pralsetinib?

Pralsetinib (trade name: Gavreto) is a pharmaceutical agent approved for the treatment of RET-mutation-positive medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and RET-fusion-positive differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) refractory to radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy.

Pralsetinib is indicated for adult patients with metastatic RET-fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) confirmed by FDA-approved diagnostic tests.

Precautions for Pralsetinib

This drug may cause severe, potentially life-threatening bleeding events. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as hemoptysis, heavy menstrual bleeding or vaginal bleeding, epistaxis, red or black tarry stools, red or dark brown urine, hematemesis or vomiting of coffee-ground-like material, or any other abnormal bleeding or bruising.

This drug may trigger a severe reaction known as tumor lysis syndrome. Your physician may prescribe medications to help prevent this condition. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop decreased or altered urine output, joint pain, stiffness or swelling, pain in the lower back, flanks or abdomen, rapid weight gain, swelling of the feet or lower legs, or unusual fatigue or weakness.

This drug may impair the healing process of cuts and wounds. Ensure that all healthcare providers treating you are aware that you are taking this medication. You may need to discontinue pralsetinib several days before and after undergoing surgery.

If you are planning to have children, consult your doctor prior to initiating treatment with this drug. Cases of infertility (inability to conceive a child) have been reported in both male and female patients receiving pralsetinib.

Do not take any other medications unless discussed with your doctor first. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies and vitamin supplements.

Storage and Handling of Pralsetinib

Store the medication in its original, labeled container in a dry place at room temperature, unless otherwise instructed by your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Do not store the drug in pill organizers. Keep the container out of the reach of children and pets.

If a caregiver prepares your dose, they should consider wearing gloves and transferring the pills directly from the container to a bottle cap, small cup, or your hand. They should avoid touching the pills with bare hands and must wash their hands thoroughly before and after administering the medication. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not prepare your doses.

Consult your oncology team for instructions on where to return unused medication for proper disposal. Do not flush the drug down the toilet or discard it in the trash.