Fruzaqla (Fruquintinib)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Fruzaqla Used For?
Fruzaqla is a cancer treatment medication that belongs to a group of medicines called antineoplastic (anti-cancer) agents.
Primary Uses
Fruzaqla is used to treat adult patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic). It is prescribed when other treatments have not worked or when other treatments are not suitable for you.
How It Works
Fruzaqla works by stopping tumors from making new blood vessels, which slows down the growth of cancer. Blood vessels normally provide the tumor with nutrients and oxygen that help it grow.
Continue Reading
Sign in to access the complete medication guide including dosage, side effects, warnings, and more.
How to Take Fruzaqla
Fruzaqla should only be prescribed by a doctor experienced in cancer treatment. It follows a specific cycle pattern for treatment.
Dosage Instructions
The recommended dose is 5mg once daily at approximately the same time each day for 21 days (3 weeks), followed by 7 days (1 week) of no medicine. This three weeks on, one week off treatment period is 1 cycle of treatment. Fruzaqla can be taken with or without food and should be swallowed as a whole capsule. Your doctor may reduce your dose if necessary.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your dose and it’s almost time for your next dose (less than 12 hours), skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you are meant to. If there are more than 12 hours until your next dose, take the missed dose and then take your next dose when you are meant to. If you vomit after taking Fruzaqla, do not take a replacement capsule – continue to take your next dose at the usual time.
Important: Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed. This may increase the chance of getting an unwanted side effect.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- reduced activity of the thyroid gland
- weight loss and decreased appetite
- high blood pressure
- voice changes or hoarseness
- diarrhea
- painful or dry mouth, mouth sores or ulcers
- abnormal liver function test results
- burning or pain when urinating
- redness, pain, blisters and swelling of palms or soles of feet
- pain in muscles, bones, joints, chest or neck
- protein in urine
- weakness and excessive tiredness
- upper respiratory tract infection
- fever
- sore throat
- cough
- pneumonia
- low blood cell counts
- reduced number of blood platelets
- low levels of potassium in blood
- nosebleed
- throat pain
- elevations of pancreatic enzymes
- toothache, gum pain, lip pain
- rash
- delayed healing of wounds
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- severely elevated blood pressure with severe headache, dizziness, confusion and severe chest pain
- bleeding in the digestive system – passing blood in stools or black stools, blood in urine, stomach pain, coughing/vomiting blood
- severe stomach and bowel problems – severe stomach pain that doesn’t go away
- serious infections – fever, severe cough, trouble breathing, burning when urinating, redness or pain anywhere on body
- liver problems – yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, right upper stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, bleeding or bruising
- reversible swelling of the brain – headache, confusion, seizures, vision changes
- blood clots – severe chest pain, pain in arms/legs/back/neck/jaw, shortness of breath, numbness or weakness of face/arm/leg, confusion, trouble talking, severe headache, vision changes, dizziness
Important Warnings
There are several important warnings and precautions to be aware of before and during treatment with Fruzaqla.
Who Should Not Take Fruzaqla
Do not use Fruzaqla if you are allergic to fruquintinib or any of the ingredients listed in the medication information.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor if you have: high blood pressure, bleeding problems or are taking blood thinners, severe stomach or bowel problems, liver problems, kidney problems or protein in urine, skin problems, recent severe headaches or vision problems, seizures or confusion, an infection, recent or planned surgery or unhealed wounds, recent problems with blood clots including stroke or heart attack.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Fruzaqla should not be used during pregnancy. Women who can become pregnant and male patients with female partners who can become pregnant should use highly effective contraception during treatment and for at least 2 weeks after the last dose. You should not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 2 weeks following the last dose.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Fruzaqla and affect how it works.
- rifampicin (used to treat tuberculosis or other infections)
- efavirenz (used to treat HIV-1 infection)
Alcohol & Driving
Be careful when driving or using machinery while taking Fruzaqla, as it may affect your ability to concentrate and react safely.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Do not drive or operate machinery if you experience symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react. Fruzaqla may cause vision disturbances or tiredness in some people. Do not drive or use machines during treatment if such signs occur.
Storage
Keep Fruzaqla in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C. Keep your capsules in the bottle until it’s time to take them and keep the bottle tightly closed. Do not remove the desiccant cartridge from the bottle. Store away from moisture, heat or sunlight – not in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car or on window sills. Keep where young children cannot reach it.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Fruzaqla, you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fruzaqla works by stopping tumors from making new blood vessels to slow cancer growth. Your doctor will monitor your progress with blood tests and other tests to check how well the treatment is working for you.
Yes, Fruzaqla can be taken with or without food. The capsule should be swallowed whole at approximately the same time each day.
Do not stop taking Fruzaqla unless your doctor tells you to. Follow the treatment cycle of 21 days on, 7 days off, and continue until your doctor tells you to stop.
If less than 12 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose. If more than 12 hours until your next dose, take the missed dose then continue with your regular schedule. Never take a double dose.
Tell your doctor about all medical conditions including high blood pressure, bleeding problems, liver or kidney issues, recent surgeries, infections, or blood clots. Also inform them of all medications you’re taking.
Yes, your doctor will do blood tests and other tests regularly to monitor your progress and check for side effects. Keep all doctor appointments so your progress can be checked.
Call your doctor right away if you experience very high blood pressure, severe headaches, chest pain, blood in stools or urine, severe stomach pain, coughing up blood, confusion, seizures, or vision changes.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.