Before taking ponatinib, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, heart problems (such as history of heart attack, angina, high blood pressure), previous stroke or "mini-stroke" (transient ischemic attack), blood vessel problems (such as an aneurysm or a tear/break in the aorta or other blood vessels), diabetes, high cholesterol, tobacco use.

This drug may make you dizzy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This medication may cause wounds to heal slowly or poorly. Your doctor or dentist may tell you to temporarily stop treatment with this medication at least 1 week before surgery or a dental procedure. Ask your doctor or dentist for specific instructions about when to stop and when to restart treatment with this medication. Tell your doctor/dentist right away if you have wounds that are not healing well.

Tell your health care professional that you are using ponatinib before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).

To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially unusual bleeding/bruising, blood clots, swollen legs/ankles, muscle spasms, weakness, loss of appetite.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while taking ponatinib. Ponatinib may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor should order a pregnancy test before you start this medication. Ask about reliable forms of birth control while taking this medication and for 3 weeks after the last dose. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication and for 1 week after the last dose. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.