Piqray Information: Adverse Effects, Expenses, Dosage, and Other Details
Piqray (alpelisib), a PI3 kinase inhibitor, has been approved by the FDA as a treatment for a specific type of advanced or metastatic breast cancer. This medication is particularly effective for hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative, and PIK3CA-mutated breast cancers that have progressed after hormone therapy.
Piqray works by targeting the PIK3CA mutation in tumors, which drives cancer growth via the PI3K pathway. The drug is often combined with fulvestrant (a hormone therapy) to optimize control of disease progression after hormone therapy failure.
Clinical data support Piqray’s benefit in this setting. Patients with HR-positive, HER2-negative, PIK3CA-mutated metastatic breast cancer who have progressed on or after endocrine therapy show improved outcomes when treated with alpelisib plus endocrine therapy compared to endocrine therapy alone. This improvement is reflected in a significant extension in progression-free survival (PFS), indicating delayed disease progression.
The cost of Piqray can vary depending on your insurance plan, location, and pharmacy. You may be able to get a 90-day supply of Piqray, which could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost.
However, it is important to note that Piqray should not be crushed, split, or chewed. Before taking Piqray, a genetic test is required to see if the cancer cells have the PIK3CA mutation.
Piqray is not available as a generic drug, and before approving coverage for Piqray, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. If you don't have insurance, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist about online pharmacy options.
If you have questions about Piqray or its use, talk with your doctor. Piqray comes as tablets that are taken with food. In case of hyperglycemia, your doctor may have you temporarily or permanently stop taking Piqray.
Piqray may interact with other medications, including strong CYP3A4 inducers and BCRP inhibitors. Avoid using St. John's wort during Piqray treatment.
While Piqray can cause mild side effects such as diarrhea, skin rash, nausea, and vomiting, it can also cause hyperglycemia, especially in adults ages 75 years or older, people with obesity, and people using a corticosteroid (such as prednisone). Before you start taking Piqray, your doctor will order lab tests to check your blood sugar.
In summary, Piqray is an effective treatment option for metastatic breast cancer patients with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative, and PIK3CA-mutated tumors that have progressed after hormone therapy, providing clinically meaningful delay in disease progression when combined with endocrine therapy. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if Piqray is the right treatment option.
- Piqray, a medication approved for a specific type of advanced or metastatic breast cancer, targets the PIK3CA mutation in tumors that drive cancer growth.
- The drug Piqray is often combined with fulvestrant (a hormone therapy) to optimize control of disease progression after hormone therapy failure.
- Before taking Piqray, a genetic test is required to see if the cancer cells have the PIK3CA mutation, which Piqray works to inhibit.
- It is important to note that Piqray should not be crushed, split, or chewed, and its cost can vary depending on insurance, location, and pharmacy.
- While Piqray can cause mild side effects such as diarrhea, skin rash, nausea, and vomiting, it can also cause hyperglycemia, particularly in older adults, obese individuals, and those using corticosteroids like prednisone.
