Drug
Ponatinib
Pronounced
"poe-NA-ti-nib"
Uses
Ponatinib is used to treat certain types of blood cancer (chronic myelogenous leukemia-CML, acute lymphoblastic leukemia-ALL). It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. It belongs to a class of drugs known as kinase inhibitors.
Warning
Ponatinib has caused serious (sometimes fatal) problems from blood clots (such as heart attack, stroke, blood clots in the lungs or legs). Get medical help right away if you have: chest/jaw/left arm pain, unusual sweating, confusion, trouble speaking, weakness on one side of the body, sudden/severe headaches, sudden dizziness/fainting, sudden vision changes, shortness of breath/rapid breathing, pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf.
This medication can cause very serious (possibly fatal) heart failure. Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of heart failure, including shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight gain.
Ponatinib can also rarely cause very serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Your doctor will order blood tests to check your liver before you start and while you are taking ponatinib. Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of liver disease, including nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin. Your doctor may need to change your dosage or discontinue the drug.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking ponatinib and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush, break, cut, chew, or dissolve the tablets. Drink plenty of fluids unless otherwise directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition, lab results, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than directed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Acid-lowering medications for indigestion, heartburn, or ulcers (such as proton pump inhibitors/PPIs, H2 blockers, antacids) may prevent ponatinib from working. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of these medications.
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the tablets.