Drug
Voxelotor
Pronounced
"vox-EL-oh-tor"
Uses
This medication is used to treat sickle cell disease. People with sickle cell disease have a certain abnormal protein (hemoglobin S) in their red blood cells that makes the cells stiff and irregularly shaped (sickle- or crescent moon-shaped). Voxelotor works by decreasing hemoglobin S. This effect may decrease symptoms such as tiredness, shortness of breath, and attacks of pain (sickle cell crisis).
This drug has been withdrawn from the US market due to problems with safety.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions for Use available from your pharmacist before you start taking voxelotor 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. The dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, 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).
This medication comes in 2 different tablet forms which are not taken the same way. Check that you receive the correct form each time you receive your medication to avoid taking the wrong form of this medication.
Do not cut, crush, or chew this medicine. Do not swallow it whole.
This form of voxelotor must be mixed in liquid before taking. Use room temperature clear liquid (such as drinking water, clear soda, apple juice, clear electrolyte drinks, clear flavored drinks, or clear sports drinks) to mix with your dose. Place the clear liquid and tablet(s) in a cup and swirl the cup until the tablet(s) break into small pieces. The tablet(s) will not completely dissolve. If you spill any medicine, clean up the spill, throw out the rest of the medicine, and make a new dose. After preparing the medicine, wait 1 to 5 minutes. Swirl the cup again, and drink the medicine. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of liquid to the cup, swirl to mix, and drink all of the mixture to make sure you are getting all of the drug. Repeat until there is no more medicine left in the cup.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.