Ponatinib
Ponatinib Oral tablet
What is this medicine?
PONATINIB (poe NA ti nib) is a medicine that targets proteins in cancer cells and stops the cancer cell from growing. It is used to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia and certain types of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
bleeding disorders
diabetes
heart disease
high blood pressure
high cholesterol
history of blood clots
history of pancreatitis
history of stroke
liver disease
recent surgery
smoke tobacco
an unusual or allergic reaction to ponatinib, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medicine. Do not take with grapefruit juice. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you've taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
This medicine may interact with the following medications:
aliskiren
ambrisentan
boceprevir
carbamazepine
clarithromycin
colchicine
conivaptan
dabigatran
digoxin
everolimus
fexofenadine
grapefruit juice
imatinib
indinavir
irinotecan
itraconazole
ketoconazole
lapatinib
lopinavir/ritonavir
maraviroc
medicines for stomach problems like cimetidine, famotidine, omeprazole, lansoprazole
methotrexate
mitoxantrone
nefazodone
nelfinavir
nilotinib
phenytoin
posaconazole
ranolazine
rifampin
ritonavir
rosuvastatin
saquinavir
St. John’s Wort
sulfasalazine
telaprevir
telithromycin
topotecan
voriconazole
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
This drug may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon, as chemotherapy can affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your doctor tells you to stop.
This medicine may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding.
Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. This drug decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.
You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.
If you are going to have surgery or any other procedures, tell your doctor you are taking this medicine.
Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
bloody or black, tarry stools
breathing problems
changes in vision
chest pain or palpitations
confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
dark urine
dizziness
eye pain
fast, irregular heartbeat
feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
fever or chills
nausea, vomiting
pain, swelling, warmth in the leg
pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet
red or dark-brown urine
red spots on the skin
severe headache
spitting up blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds
stomach pain
sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg
swelling in the ankles, feet, hands
tiredness
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusually slow heartbeat
yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (Report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome.):
constipation
joint pain
muscle pain
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Updated:  
March 21, 2017
Sources:  
U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert