DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Ruxolitinib

March 21, 2017

Ruxolitinib Oral tablet

What is this medicine?

RUXOLITINIB (RUX oh LI ti nib) is a medicine that targets proteins in cells and stops them from growing. It is used to treat myelofibrosis and polycythemia vera.

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:

  • cancer of the skin

  • hepatitis

  • immune system problems

  • infection (especially a virus infection such as chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes)

  • kidney disease

  • liver disease

  • low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to ruxolitinib, 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. Do not take with grapefruit juice. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have 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?

  • antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS like delavirdine, indinavir, lopinavir; ritonavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, tipranavir

  • antiviral medicines for Hepatitis C like boceprevir, telaprevir

  • certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, dalfopristin; quinupristin, erythromycin, isoniazid, telithromycin, rifampin

  • certain medicines for fungal infection like itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole

  • conivaptan

  • grapefruit juice

  • mibefradil

  • nefazodone

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?

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.

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.

This medicine may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding.

In some patients, this medicine may cause a serious brain infection that may cause death. If you have any problems seeing, thinking, speaking, walking, or standing, tell your doctor right away. If you cannot reach your doctor, urgently seek other source of medical care.

Talk to your doctor about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancers if you take 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)

  • low blood counts - this medicine may decrease the number of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. You may be at increased risk for infections and bleeding

  • signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty passing urine

  • signs of decreased platelets or bleeding - bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black, tarry stools, blood in the urine

  • signs of decreased red blood cells - unusually weak or tired, feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (Report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome.):

  • dizziness

  • headache

  • upset stomach

  • weight gain

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