Gavreto (pralsetinib) is a brand-name oral capsule that’s prescribed for certain types of lung and thyroid cancers. As with other drugs, Gavreto can cause side effects, such as constipation, fatigue, and muscle and joint pain.

Gavreto can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Gavreto in clinical trials:

Mild side effects can occur with Gavreto use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Gavreto’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Gavreto include:

  • changes in or loss of the sense of taste
  • constipation
  • diarrhea
  • dry mouth
  • edema (swelling due to fluid retention)
  • fatigue
  • fever
  • mild high blood pressure (see “Side effect specifics”)
  • muscle and joint pain
  • nausea

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews the side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Gavreto and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

Gavreto may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to the drug’s prescribing information.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Gavreto, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:

  • bleeding problems, which may include symptoms such as:
    • bleeding that’s hard to stop
    • bloody or dark, tar-like stools
    • easy or unusual bleeding or bruising
    • frequent nosebleeds
    • vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
  • decreased blood cell counts including:
  • infections, including pneumonia and urinary tract infections (UTIs), which may include symptoms such as:
    • fever
    • frequent or urgent need to urinate
    • pain or burning when you urinate
    • pain with breathing
    • shortness of breath
  • liver problems, including liver damage, which may cause symptoms such as:
    • dark colored urine
    • decreased appetite
    • fatigue
    • jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes)
    • nausea or vomiting
  • tumor lysis syndrome in people with thyroid cancer, which may include symptoms such as:
    • decreased urine production
    • fatigue
    • muscle cramps
    • nausea or vomiting
    • weakness
  • wound healing problems, which may include symptoms such as:
    • slow wound healing or wounds that don’t heal
    • wound swelling, pain, oozing, or redness or discoloration
  • lung problems*
  • severe high blood pressure*

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics.”

ALLERGIC REACTION

For some people, Gavreto can cause an allergic reaction and this side effect was reported in the drug’s studies.

In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Gavreto, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Gavreto may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Gavreto.

High blood pressure

High blood pressure was a common side effect in clinical trials of Gavreto. This side effect is usually mild but can be serious in some cases.

Mild high blood pressure usually doesn’t cause any symptoms. Severe high blood pressure may cause symptoms including:

What you can do

Due to this risk, doctors typically don’t prescribe Gavreto to people who have high blood pressure that isn’t managed well. They’ll likely prescribe medications to reduce high pressure before starting Gavreto.

Your doctor will check your blood pressure before starting Gavreto and during treatment. If your blood pressure is too high, they may reduce your dose of Gavreto or stop the medication for a period of time. In some cases, your doctor may recommend stopping Gavreto permanently.

If you develop symptoms of severe high blood pressure, get medical care right away.

Lung problems

Reports of lung problems were common in clinical trials of Gavreto. This includes mild cough or shortness of breath, but also serious problems, including interstitial lung disease, pneumonia, and pneumonitis.

Symptoms of serious lung problems may include:

What you can do

Due to this risk, your doctor will monitor you for signs and symptoms of lung problems during Gavreto treatment.

Call your doctor if you develop any symptoms of a lung problem. They’ll determine the most likely cause and recommend ways to manage it. This may include reducing your dose of Gavreto or stopping it temporarily. Depending on your situation, it may be necessary to stop the drug permanently.

Before taking Gavreto, discuss your health history with your doctor. Gavreto may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

  • bleeding problems
  • high blood pressure
  • kidney or liver problems
  • lung or breathing problems other than lung cancer, which Gavreto is prescribed to treat
  • previous allergic reaction to this or a similar drug
  • pregnancy
  • breastfeeding

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.