Piqray (alpelisib)

What is Piqray?

Piqray is a prescription treatment used with another drug called fulvestrant. Doctors use this combination to treat adults with a specific type of advanced breast cancer.

This type is called hormone receptor (HR)-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative breast cancer. These breast cancers also have a change in a specific gene known as PIK3CA.

Piqray is used when the cancer has grown or spread to other parts of the body, even after the patient has already received hormone-based treatment.

Before starting treatment, a doctor will test the tumor to check for this gene change. This step helps make sure that Piqray is suitable for the patient.

Piqray should not be used in children. Before starting Piqray, talk to your doctor about any health problems. If you have high blood sugar, diabetes, skin problems like rashes or blisters, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, make sure to consult your doctor first.

Patients should avoid Piqray if they have had a severe allergic reaction to this drug or any of its ingredients.

How Does Piqray Work?

Piqray targets a specific pathway in cancer cells that helps them grow. The active ingredient, alpelisib, blocks a protein called PI3K, which plays a role in cell growth and survival.

In some cancer cells, a change in the PIK3CA gene causes this protein to become overactive, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation.

By blocking PI3K, Piqray helps stop the signals that promote cancer cell growth.

In particular, Piqray is effective against tumors with a specific mutation in the PIK3CA gene, which is common in certain types of breast cancer. It helps reduce tumor growth and can work even better when combined with other treatments, like fulvestrant.

This combination has been shown to improve the effectiveness of the treatment, especially in cases of HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer with the PIK3CA mutation.

Dose Information and Usage

The recommended Piqray dose is 300 mg (two 150 mg tablets) taken orally once daily, with food.

Make sure to follow your doctor’s prescription on how to take Piqray to avoid health issues.

Dosage Form and Strengths of Piqray

Piqray comes in the following dosage forms:

• 50 mg
• 150 mg
• 200 mg

How to Take Piqray?

Taking Piqray correctly ensures its full effectiveness. Follow these steps to administer Piqray properly:

• Take Piqray once daily at approximately the same time each day.
• Always take Piqray with food to help absorb the medication.
• Swallow the tablets whole. Do not chew, crush, or split the tablets.
• If you miss a dose, take it within 9 hours of your usual time. Do not take it if more than 9 hours have passed. Instead, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as usual.
• If you vomit after taking Piqray, do not take an extra dose. Resume your usual dosing schedule the next day.

Piqray Side Effects

Like any medication, Piqray may cause side effects, which can range from mild to severe. Common Piqray side effects include nausea, rash, and fatigue, which are generally manageable but still require attention.

More serious Piqray adverse effects may involve severe allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, and skin reactions like blistering or peeling.

Monitoring for these side effects is crucial for maintaining your health during treatment.

Common Side Effects

• Rash
• Nausea
• Tiredness and weakness
• Decreased appetite
• Mouth sores
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Hair loss
• Changes in specific blood tests

Severe Side Effects

• Severe allergic reactions:
  • Trouble breathing
  • Swelling of the face or throat
  • Rash
  • Flushing
  • Fever

• Severe skin reactions:
  • Blisters on lips, eyes, or mouth
  • Redness of the skin
  • Skin peeling

• High blood sugar (hyperglycemia):
  • Excessive thirst
  • Dry mouth
  • Confusion
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Fruity breath odor

• Lung problems (pneumonitis):
  • Shortness of breath
  • Persistent cough
  • Chest pain

• Severe diarrhea or colitis:
  • Stomach pain
  • Blood or mucus in stool
  • Dehydration

• Osteonecrosis of the jaw:
  • Bone pain or tenderness in the jaw

• Acute kidney injury:
  • Swelling
  • Reduced urination
  • Fatigue

• Vision changes:
  • Eye pain
  • Sensitivity to light

If you notice any serious side effects from Piqray or withdrawal symptoms after stopping it suddenly, contact your doctor right away.

To stay safe while using Piqray, have regular check-ups and discuss your treatment with your doctor.

Warnings and Precautions

When using Piqray, it is important to be aware of potential risks and take the necessary precautions. Specific severe reactions, like hypersensitivity, lung issues, or problems with blood sugar, can occur during treatment.

It is essential to monitor for symptoms and notify your doctor if any warning signs arise.

In some cases, Piqray may need to be discontinued or adjusted to ensure safety. Below are important warnings and precautions to consider while taking Piqray:

• People with severe allergies should not use Piqray or its components.
• Severe allergic reactions can occur, such as trouble breathing, flushing, rash, fever, or fast heart rate. If these happen, stop using Piqray immediately and seek medical help.
• Severe skin reactions, including conditions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome, can happen. Stop treatment and consult a doctor if you notice signs like fever, skin rash, or lesions.
• Piqray may cause high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) with symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, and nausea. Monitor blood sugar regularly and seek medical advice if needed.
• Severe lung problems, including pneumonia, may occur. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience shortness of breath, coughing, or chest pain.
• Piqray can lead to severe diarrhea or colitis, causing stomach pain, dehydration, or blood in stools. Report these symptoms to your doctor for treatment advice.
• Piqray has been linked to bone problems in the jaw, so inform your doctor if you experience jaw pain or tenderness.
• In some cases, Piqray may cause kidney problems, leading to symptoms like swelling or reduced urination. If these symptoms appear, let your doctor know.
• Vision changes, such as eye pain or sensitivity to light, can happen. If you experience these, consult your doctor.
• Piqray can be harmful to a developing fetus, so it should not be used during pregnancy. Use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 1 week after finishing Piqray.

Drug Interactions With Other Medications

Piqray interactions with other medications can affect how well the drug works or increase the risk of side effects.

Some medications can make Piqray less effective, while others can raise the chances of experiencing side effects.

Below is a list of medications that can interact with Piqray:

• Strong CYP3A4 inducers: These drugs can make Piqray less effective. Examples include:
  • Phenytoin (Dilantin) and carbamazepine (Tegretol), which are medications used for seizures
  • Rifampin (Rifadin) is an example of an antibiotic
• Breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) inhibitors: These drugs can increase the amount of Piqray in your body, raising the risk of side effects.
  • Nelfinavir and ritonavir
  • Gefitinib (Iressa) and Imatinib (Gleevec)
• Apalutamide
• St. John’s wort
• Medications for seizures

Always share a list of all your medications with your doctor, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. This will help you avoid harmful interactions and ensure that Piqray works as it should.

Piqray Alternatives

Consider Piqray alternatives by exploring other treatments that provide similar benefits for breast cancer or other cancers.

Below are alternatives to Piqray and their associated brands.

• Verzenio (abemaciclib)
• Keytruda (pembrolizumab)
• Arimidex (anastrozole)
• Nolvadex (tamoxifen)
• Femara (letrozole)
• Aromasin (exemestane)

Order Piqray from Pharma Giant & SAVE

Ordering medication online can be overwhelming, but Pharma Giant offers a trusted and secure way to purchase Piqray.

We understand that the cost of Piqray can be a major concern, but rest assured, Pharma Giant is here to help with affordable options. You can get the medication you need through Pharma Giant at a fraction of the cost you might find elsewhere.

• We work with fully licensed Canadian pharmacies to ensure you get top-quality medications safely and securely.
• We offer competitive prices for Piqray, making it easier for you to access life-saving medication without breaking the bank.
• Enjoy quick and reliable shipping to your doorstep within 3-5 business days, ensuring you never run out of essential medication.
• Our platform allows you to order Piqray from the comfort of your home, saving you time and hassle.
• Licensed doctors and pharmacists verify all prescriptions, so you can be confident that you receive safe and effective medications.

How to Order Piqray Online?

1. Search Piqray on our search bar and select the desired strength. Add it to your cart and proceed to checkout. Enter your contact, payment, and shipping details.
2. New customers can create an account, while returning customers can log in. Use the code PGSAVE10 for 10% off your first order.
3. Upload or send your prescription to info@pharmagiant.com or fax it to 1-888-562-8159. If no prescription is required, we will process your order without it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer

Pharma Giant provides medical information to help you better understand medications and medical conditions.This content is for informational use only and does not replace advice from a licensed medical practitioner. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any medication. All our partners follow strict safety standards set by their country’s health authorities to make sure you receive safe and high-quality medications.