fedratinib
What is the most important information I should know about fedratinib?
Some people using fedratinib have developed vitamin B1 deficiency that resulted in serious and sometimes fatal brain damage. Your vitamin B1 levels will need to be checked before and during treatment, and you may need to take a vitamin B1 supplement.
Get emergency medical help if you have symptoms such as drowsiness, confusion, memory problems, vision problems, unusual eye movements, or problems with coordination and muscle movement.
Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea even while taking medications to prevent these side effects.
What is fedratinib?
Fedratinib is used to treat myelofibrosis in adults.
Myelofibrosis is a rare type of bone marrow cancer that affects your body's ability to produce blood cells.
Fedratinib may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking fedratinib?
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- low levels of platelets or red blood cells;
- liver disease;
- kidney disease; or
- if you have been taking ruxolitinib (Jakafi).
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
You should not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 1 month after your last dose.
How should I take fedratinib?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
You may take fedratinib with or without food. Take with a high-fat meal if fedratinib upsets your stomach.
Your vitamin B1 (thiamine) levels will need to be checked before and during treatment with fedratinib. You may need to take a vitamin B1 supplement.
You may be given other medications to help prevent nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Keep using these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.
Some people using fedratinib have developed vitamin B1 deficiency that resulted in serious and sometimes fatal brain damage. Your vitamin B1 levels will need to be checked before and during treatment with fedratinib. You may need to take a vitamin B1 supplement.
Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea even while taking medications to prevent these side effects. You can easily become malnourished from vomiting and diarrhea. This can lead to low vitamin B1 levels.
Fedratinib can lower your blood cell counts and affect liver function. Your blood will need to be tested often. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.
Do not change your dose or stop taking fedratinib without your doctor's advice.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking fedratinib?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
What are the possible side effects of fedratinib?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Some people using fedratinib have developed vitamin B1 deficiency that resulted in serious and sometimes fatal brain damage. Seek emergency medical attention if you have symptoms such as:
- drowsiness, confusion, memory problems;
- vision problems, unusual eye movements; or
- problems with coordination and muscle movement.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe or ongoing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (even while you are taking medication to prevent these effects);
- easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red spots under your skin;
- low red blood cells (anemia) --pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet; or
- low white blood cell counts --fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing.
You may need a blood transfusion if your blood counts get too low.
Common side effects may include:
- nausea, vomiting;
- diarrhea; or
- anemia.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect fedratinib?
Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.
Other drugs may affect fedratinib, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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