What is this medicine?
RUXOLITINIB is used to treat myelofibrosis.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-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?
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Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. 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've taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
What if I miss a dose?
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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?
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-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
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
Avoid taking products that contain aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless instructed by your doctor. These medicines may hide a fever.
Be careful brushing and flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving 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.
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.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
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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
Where should I keep my medicine?
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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.
Information on use before, during and after pregnancy.
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FIRST Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
SECOND Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
THIRD Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
Lactation
Avoid - This drug is known to cause harm to infants when taken by nursing mothers.
