Ponatinib (By mouth)

poe-NA-ti-nib

Treats leukemia.

Drug classes

Antineoplastic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Ponatinib is used to treat chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) or Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) after other medicines did not work well. Leukemia is a type of cancer where the body makes abnormal white blood cells.

Ponatinib is an antineoplastic (cancer) medicine. It interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed by the body. Since the growth of normal cells may also be affected by ponatinib, other side effects can occur. Before you begin treatment, talk to your doctor about the benefits of this medicine as well as the possible risks of using it.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Tablet

Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, chew, or dissolve it.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Some foods and medicines can affect how ponatinib works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:

St John’s wort, carbamazepine, conivaptan, irinotecan, methotrexate, mitoxantrone, nefazodone, phenytoin, rifampin, rosuvastatin, or sulfasalazine. Medicine to treat hepatitis C, medicine to treat HIV/AIDS, or medicine to treat any other infection

Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to ponatinib, or if you are pregnant.

Warnings

It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, blood clotting problems, diabetes, heart or blood vessel disease, heart failure, high blood pressure, or a history of a heart attack, stroke, pancreas problems, or alcohol abuse. Tell your doctor if you are lactose intolerant.

This medicine may cause the following problems:

Blood clots, which could lead to heart attack or stroke High blood pressure, heart failure, heart rhythm problems, retaining fluid Damage or problems with the liver, pancreas, eyes, nerves, or digestive system Severe bleeding Tumor lysis syndrome Slow healing of wounds

This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Chest pain that may spread, trouble breathing, nausea, unusual sweating, fainting

Chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood

Dark urine or pale stools, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow eyes or skin

Eye pain, trouble seeing, vision changes

Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat

Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches

Numbness or weakness on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking

Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet

Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, lightheadedness

Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Constipation

Headache

Joint or muscle pain or swelling

Mild skin rash, dry skin

Tiredness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Iclusig

There may be other brand names for this medicine.