Sacituzumab Govitecan: A Medication Profile
Summary or Key Points
Sacituzumab govitecan is an innovative therapy used to treat specific types of cancer, including Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and Urothelial Carcinoma. It’s known to target and eliminate cancer cells effectively, though it can carry a range of side effects. This article provides comprehensive information about the medication, including its dosing, potential side effects, interactions, and alternatives.
Names of Medication
Brand name: Trodelvy
Generic name: Sacituzumab Govitecan
The generic name, written in parenthesis, refers to the active ingredient in the medication. This name remains the same across different brands that may produce the medication.
Pharmacologic Category
Sacituzumab govitecan belongs to a class of medications known as antibody-drug conjugates. Other medications in this category include Trastuzumab emtansine (Kadcyla) and Enfortumab vedotin (Padcev).
Dosing
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: 10 mg/kg on days 1 and 8 of 21-day treatment cycles.- Urothelial Carcinoma: 10 mg/kg on days 1 and 8 of 21-day treatment cycles.
Please consult with your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine doctors before adjusting your dose.
Dosage Forms and Strengths
Sacituzumab govitecan is available as an injectable solution with a strength of 180 mg/20 mL (9 mg/mL).
Administration Instructions
Sacituzumab govitecan is administered intravenously by a healthcare provider, usually over 2-3 hours, once a week for 2 weeks, followed by a week without the medication.
Adverse Reactions and Side Effects
The most common side effects of Sacituzumab govitecan include nausea, neutropenia, diarrhea, fatigue, anemia, vomiting, alopecia (hair loss), constipation, rash, and decreased appetite. It’s important to communicate with your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine doctors about any side effects you experience.
Contraindications
A contraindication is a specific situation in which a drug should not be used, due to potential harm to the patient. Sacituzumab govitecan is contraindicated in patients who have had severe hypersensitivity reactions to the medication. This is due to the risk of serious allergic reactions.
Drug to Drug Interactions
Specific drug interaction studies have not been conducted with Sacituzumab govitecan. However, it is important to inform your healthcare provider or our telemedicine doctors of all the medications you are currently taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements.
Sacituzumab govitecan in Pregnancy
It’s currently unclear whether Sacituzumab govitecan is safe to take during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown harm to the developing fetus, but adequate studies in pregnant women have not been conducted. As such, it’s important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine doctors if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Sacituzumab govitecan while Breastfeeding
The safety of Sacituzumab govitecan while breastfeeding is also not fully understood. It’s advisable to discuss with your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine doctors if you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed while undergoing treatment.
Estimated Cost of Medication
The estimated cost of a 30-day supply of Sacituzumab govitecan, according to GoodRx, is around $22,500 without insurance. However, costs can vary based on the pharmacy, your location, and your insurance coverage.
Possible Alternatives
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Other treatments include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise may also support overall health. Always discuss any potential changes to your treatment plan with your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine doctors.- Urothelial Carcinoma: Alternatives can include surgery, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. As always, any changes to your treatment plan should be discussed with your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine doctors.
Recent Updates on Sacituzumab govitecan Research
Recent studies suggest that Sacituzumab govitecan may be effective in treating other types of cancer beyond those it’s currently approved for. Researchers are also studying the medication’s combination with other therapies to improve its efficacy. Remember, this information is continually changing as new research is conducted, so always consult your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine doctors for the most up-to-date information.
Brief Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.