Zidesamtinib (Jideytro™)
Pronounce: ZYE-de-SAM-tih-nib
Classification: Kinase Inhibitor
About Zidesamtinib (Jideytro™)
A kinase is an enzyme that helps a cell grow. There are different types of kinases. Each type affects a different phase of cell growth. Kinase inhibitors slow down the growth of cancer cells.
This medication targets ROS1 found on some cancer cells.
How to Take This Medication
This medication comes in a tablet form and is taken by mouth. It can be taken with or without food. Do not chew, crush, dissolve, or split the medication.
If you miss a dose, call your healthcare provider and ask what to do next. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose. If you vomit at any time after taking this medication, take the next dose at its scheduled time.
If you miss a dose:
- Take it as soon as possible when you remember, if it has been less than 12 hours since your scheduled dose time.
- If more than 12 hours have passed, skip that dose and take the next dose at your usual scheduled time.
It is important to take the correct amount of medication. Before each dose, check that the medication and the amount match what your provider prescribed.
Storage and Handling
Store your medication in the original container with the label. If you want to use a pillbox, talk to your pharmacist. Keep it in a dry place at room temperature unless your provider or pharmacist tells you otherwise. Keep containers out of reach of children and pets.
If a caregiver prepares your dose for you, they should consider wearing gloves or pour the pills directly from their container into the cap, a small cup, or directly into your hand. They should avoid touching the pills. They should always wash their hands before and after giving you the medication. Pregnant or nursing people should not prepare the dose for you. Ask your provider where to return any unused medication for disposal. Do not flush down the toilet or throw in the trash.
Where Do I Get This Medication?
Some cancer medications are only available through specialty pharmacies. Your provider or pharmacist will start this process. Your insurance plan may also affect where you can get your medication. Call your prescription plan provider to find out which specialty pharmacies are in-network.
Insurance Information
This medication may be covered by your prescription plan. If you qualify, you may be able to get financial help through patient assistance programs (PAP). Co-pay cards may also be available to lower your out-of-pocket cost if you have commercial (not Medicare/Medicaid/Tricare) insurance. Your pharmacist, social worker, or navigator can help find resources for financial support.
Possible Side Effects
These are some of the most common or most serious side effects of this medication. Talk with your provider about the side effects you are having and how they can be managed.
High Cholesterol and Triglycerides
This medication can increase the cholesterol and triglyceride (lipid) levels in your blood. There are no symptoms of high cholesterol, but your provider will check your blood levels before, during, and after treatment. Your provider may prescribe medication to help manage increased cholesterol levels.
Edema
Edema is swelling of any part of the body caused by retention (buildup) of fluid. The swelling can be uncomfortable. This most commonly occurs in the hands, arms, legs, ankles, and feet. To help get rid of the fluid, you can elevate (lift up) the affected body part and rest it on a pillow. Tell your providers if you have any new or worsening swelling.
Elevated Creatine Phosphokinase
This medication can lead to an elevated level of the enzyme creatine phosphokinase (CPK) in your blood. This level will be checked during treatment with blood tests. If you start to experience muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, notify your provider as these can be signs of an elevated CPK.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is when the nerves not in your brain or spinal cord are damaged. It causes numbness or a tingling feeling in the hands and/or feet, which can also cause pain and trouble with balance. The more you take this medication, the worse your neuropathy can get. The symptoms may slowly get better, or they may never fully go away. Tell your providers if you have symptoms of neuropathy, so that changes can be made to your treatment plan and to manage your symptoms.
Low Red Blood Cell Count (Anemia)
Anemia is when your red blood cell count is lower than normal. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the tissues in your body. When your red cell count is low, you may feel tired or weak. Tell your providers if you have shortness of breath, trouble breathing, or pain in your chest. If your count gets too low, you may receive a blood transfusion.
Liver Toxicity
This medication can cause liver toxicity, or liver problems, which your provider may monitor for with blood tests called liver function tests. Symptoms may be:
- Yellowing of your skin or eyes.
- Dark or brown urine.
- Pain in your abdomen (belly).
Tell your provider if you have any of these symptoms.
Fertility
This medication may affect your fertility. It can cause changes to your menstrual cycle or sperm. You may want to consider sperm banking or egg harvesting if you might wish to have a child in the future. Talk about your options with your provider before treatment.
Reproductive Concerns
There is a higher risk of health problems for your baby if you are pregnant, become pregnant, or get someone pregnant while on this medication. To lower the risk of birth defects, you should use birth control (contraception) to avoid pregnancy. Talk with your provider about what kind of birth control is safest for you and your partner.
If you can become pregnant, you will need to use effective birth control during treatment and for 6 months after the last dose of this medication, even if your menstrual cycle has stopped or changed. If you can get someone pregnant, you will need to use effective birth control during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose of this medication, even if you believe you are not producing sperm. You should not breastfeed during treatment and for 1 week after the last dose of this medication.
Important but Less Common Side Effects
Central Nervous System (CNS) Effects
Because of how this medication works and its effects on neurotransmitters in the brain, it may cause drowsiness, fatigue, sedation, dizziness, and weakness. If these effects make it hard to carry out daily life, talk with your provider. You should not drink alcohol while taking this medication. You should not drive a car or operate heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
Pancreas Problems
This medication can affect your pancreas. Call your provider if you have any symptoms of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), such as:
- Bloating,
- Indigestion.
- Nausea and/or vomiting.
- Fatty stools (that are bulky, pale, oily, and sometimes float).
- Not feeling hungry (loss of appetite).
- Sweating.
- Abdominal (belly) pain or swelling.
- Weight loss.
Your provider may monitor certain blood levels with labs during and after treatment.