Fruzaqla (Fruquintinib)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick 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 tumours from making new blood vessels, which slows down the growth of cancer. Blood vessels normally provide the tumour with nutrients and oxygen needed for growth.
How to Take Fruzaqla
Fruzaqla should only be prescribed by a doctor experienced in cancer treatment. Take it exactly as your doctor tells you.
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: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. 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 thyroid activity
- weight loss and decreased appetite
- high blood pressure
- voice changes or hoarseness
- diarrhoea
- painful or dry mouth, mouth sores or ulcers
- redness, pain, blisters and swelling of palms or soles of feet
- pain in muscles, bones, joints, chest or neck
- protein in urine
- weakness and tiredness
- upper respiratory infection
- fever
- sore throat
- cough
- pneumonia
- low blood cell counts
- reduced blood platelets
- nosebleeds
- throat pain
- elevated pancreatic enzymes
- toothache, gum or lip pain
- rash
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- severely elevated blood pressure with severe headache, confusion, severe chest pain
- bleeding in digestive system – blood in stools, black stools, blood in urine, stomach pain, coughing/vomiting blood
- severe stomach and bowel problems
- serious infections with fever, severe cough, trouble breathing
- liver problems – yellowing skin or eyes, dark urine, right upper stomach pain, nausea, vomiting
- brain swelling (posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome) – headache, confusion, seizures, vision changes
- blood clots – severe chest pain, pain in arms/legs/back/neck/jaw, shortness of breath, numbness/weakness, confusion, trouble talking/walking, severe headache, vision changes, dizziness
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations you need to know before taking Fruzaqla.
Who Should Not Take Fruzaqla
Do not use Fruzaqla if you are allergic to fruquintinib or any of the ingredients listed in the medicine information.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: high blood pressure, bleeding problems or take blood thinning medicines, severe stomach or bowel problems, liver problems, kidney problems or protein in urine, skin problems, recent severe headaches, vision problems, seizures or confusion, infections, recent or planned surgery or unhealed wounds, recent blood clots including stroke, heart attack, embolism or thrombosis.
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. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 2 weeks after the last dose.
Pregnancy Warning: If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Fruzaqla and affect how it works.
Important: Tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, or supplements you are taking, including those bought without a prescription.
- 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.
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 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. Do not store 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 tumours 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 your doctor’s instructions and continue treatment until they tell you to stop.
If you miss a dose and it’s less than 12 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose. If there are more than 12 hours until your next dose, take the missed dose then continue with your regular schedule. Never take a double dose.
Store Fruzaqla in a cool, dry place below 30°C. Keep capsules in the original bottle with the lid tightly closed. Don’t remove the desiccant cartridge and keep away from moisture, heat, and sunlight.
Call your doctor immediately if you experience severely high blood pressure, bleeding (blood in stools/urine, coughing up blood), severe stomach pain, serious infections, liver problems (yellowing skin/eyes), or blood clot symptoms (chest pain, shortness of breath, numbness).
Tell your surgeon that you are taking Fruzaqla if you are going to have surgery. Your doctor will advise you about timing and whether treatment needs to be temporarily stopped.
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.