​Brigatinib: Serious and Common Side Effects

Brigatinib: Serious and Common Side Effects

Brigatinib may cause a variety of side effects, not everyone experiences them. If the following serious reactions occur, tell your doctor immediately: high blood pressure (headache, blurred vision, chest pain, shortness of breath); visual disturbances (flashes, blurred vision, photophobia), the doctor may stop the drug and refer you to an ophthalmologist; elevated blood creatine kinase (indicating muscle injury, with unexplained muscle pain or weakness); elevated blood amylase or lipase (indicating pancreatitis, presenting as upper abdominal pain that worsens after eating, radiating to the back, weight loss, nausea); elevated liver enzymes (liver cell injury, with right-sided abdominal pain, jaundice, dark urine); high blood sugar (thirst, frequent urination, hunger, nausea, weakness, confusion). Other serious side effects include: pneumonitis (new or worsening cough, chest pain, fever, especially during the first week); slow pulse (chest pain, dizziness, fainting); photosensitivity (skin reactions). A rare but serious side effect is pancreatitis, presenting as persistent severe abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting.

Brigatinib: List of Other Common and Uncommon Side Effects

In addition to the serious side effects above, other possible side effects are listed below by frequency. Very common (incidence >1/10): upper respiratory tract infection, anemia, leukopenia, prolonged clotting time, elevated blood insulin or calcium, decreased blood phosphorus or magnesium or sodium or potassium, decreased appetite, headache, peripheral neuropathy (numbness, tingling, weakness in hands and feet), dizziness, cough, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, stomatitis, elevated alkaline phosphatase, rash, pruritus, joint and muscle pain, elevated creatinine, fatigue, edema, fever. Common (incidence 1/10 to 1/100): thrombocytopenia (increased risk of bleeding and bruising), insomnia, memory difficulties, taste disturbances, QT prolongation, tachycardia, palpitations, dry mouth, flatulence, elevated lactate dehydrogenase, elevated bilirubin, dry skin, chest muscle bone pain, limb pain, muscle and joint stiffness, chest pain, generalized pain, elevated cholesterol, weight loss. Report any discomfort to your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Brigatinib: Emergency Situations Requiring Immediate Medical Attention

While taking brigatinib, if you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room. Do not wait for your next appointment. Respiratory emergency signs: new or sudden worsening shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe cough, with or without fever – this may be an early sign of interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis, especially common during the first week of treatment. Cardiovascular emergency signs: chest discomfort or pain, abnormally slow pulse (<60 bpm accompanied by dizziness), fainting, blackouts – indicates severe bradycardia or arrhythmia. Neurological and muscular emergency signs: unexplained severe muscle pain, limb weakness, tea-colored urine – may indicate rhabdomyolysis; sudden vision loss, persistent flashing lights, or visual field defects – requires urgent eye evaluation. Digestive system emergency signs: persistent severe upper abdominal pain that worsens after eating, radiating to the back, with nausea and vomiting – may be acute pancreatitis; sudden yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine like tea, severe right upper abdominal pain – indicates severe liver injury. Systemic emergency signs: confusion, extreme thirst with excessive urination, nausea, weakness – indicates hyperglycemic crisis. Report any severe or persistently worsening discomfort immediately.