Fruquin 5 mg is a prescription medication containing the active ingredient Fruquintinib, an anticancer agent that acts on cancer in the therapy of advanced cancers. Importantly, it is licensed for use in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) who have previously undergone standard chemotherapy regimens. Fruquintinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) drug that selectively blocks the vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs) participating in tumor angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels).

Each tablet of Fruquin contains 5 mg of Fruquintinib as an oral tablet. The medication is designed to make systemic availability orally, providing easy and stable absorption.

Fruquin is primarily indicated for the treatment of:

Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) in adults who are already treated with, or intolerant to, first-line therapies such as fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan.

It is also explored or used off-label in other cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and gastric cancer, according to clinical trial results and medical practice.

Fruquintinib is a VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3 selective inhibitor that inhibits the pathways of the tumor to form new blood vessels, thus preventing angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is prevented from providing the tumor with the nutrients and oxygen needed for growth and metastasis. 

Tumors require blood vessels to be capable of acquiring nutrients and oxygen. These are formed by angiogenesis, which is primarily regulated by VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and its receptors. Fruquintinib directly inhibits VEGFR-1, 2, and 3, inhibiting this process. Unlike some previous TKIs, where multiple pathways are blocked and higher toxicity is produced, Fruquintinib is extremely selective, which can lead to fewer side effects and still be effective.

The standard dose is 5 mg daily.

It is typically administered in cycles of 21 days on and 7 days off (i.e., 3 weeks on treatment and 1 week off in a cycle of 28 days).

The tablets should be swallowed whole with water and at the same time of day each day, with or without food.

Dosage adjustments can be made based on tolerability or with regard to adverse events. Always follow the individual directions of the oncologist.

As with any anticancer drug, Fruquin may cause side effects. Certain frequent adverse reactions are:

Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Fatigue

Hand-foot skin reaction (palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia)

Diarrhea

Loss of appetite

Proteinuria (protein in urine)

Elevated liver enzymes

Serious but infrequent hazards are gastrointestinal perforation, hemorrhage, or cardiac side effects. The blood pressure, liver, and kidneys should be monitored on a regular basis while on treatment.

Fruquin is contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation and during treatment and for a short while after the last dose, contraception should be employed.

Hepatic or renal impairment: Caution should be exercised; dose adjustment may be required.

Drug interactions: Fruquintinib may interact with other medications that are metabolized via the CYP pathway. Inform your treating physician about all medications and supplements consumed.

Surgical operations: Discontinue use prior to major surgery as VEGFR inhibitors have the potential to impair wound healing.

Store below 30°C (86°F).

Store the tablet in the original package to prevent it from being exposed to moisture and light.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Fruquin 5 mg (Fruquintinib) is a new targeted cancer treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer and possibly other types of cancers too. Its selective inhibition of angiogenesis offers a more targeted action with fewer potential side effects than less selective therapies. However, as a cancer medication, it should be used under close medical monitoring with appropriate monitoring for safety and effectiveness.