ruxolitinib

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Pronunciation: RUX oh LI ti nib

Brand: Jakafi

What is the most important information I should know about ruxolitinib?

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What is ruxolitinib?

Ruxolitinib works by blocking certain enzymes in the body that affect blood cell production.

Ruxolitinib is used to treat myelofibrosis or polycythemia vera, which are bone marrow disorders that affect your body's ability to produce blood cells.

Ruxolitinib may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ruxolitinib?

You should not use ruxolitinib if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had tuberculosis, if anyone in your household has tuberculosis, or if you have recently traveled to an area where tuberculosis is common.

To make sure ruxolitinib is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • any type of active infection;
  • kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
  • liver disease (especially hepatitis B);
  • a history of skin cancer; or
  • high cholesterol or triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood).

Using ruxolitinib may increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Talk to your doctor about this risk and what skin symptoms to watch for.

It is not known whether ruxolitinib will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medcine.

It is not known whether ruxolitinib passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using ruxolitinib.

How should I take ruxolitinib?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

You may take ruxolitinib with or without food.

The ruxolitinib tablet can also be given through a nasogastric (NG) feeding tube as follows:

  • Place the tablet into 40 milliliters of water, stirring occasionally for 10 minutes.
  • When the tablet is completely dispersed, place the mixture into a syringe attached to the NG tube.
  • Push the plunger down to empty the syringe into the tube. Then flush the tube with 75 milliliters of water to wash the contents down.
  • You must give the mixture within 6 hours after placing the tablet into the water.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested often. This will help your doctor determine the best dose for you to use. When you first start taking ruxolitinib, your blood will need to be tested every 2 to 4 weeks. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor.

You should not stop using ruxolitinib suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

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 ruxolitinib?

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with ruxolitinib and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products while taking ruxolitinib.

What are the possible side effects of ruxolitinib?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some side effects may be similar to the symptoms of myelofibrosis. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

  • pain or burning when you urinate;
  • nausea, vomiting, weakness;
  • blisters or painful skin rash;
  • unusual pain or general ill feeling;
  • changes in the size, shape, or color of a mole or skin lesion;
  • low red blood cells (anemia) --pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating;
  • low platelets --easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin; or
  • low white blood cell counts --fever, swollen gums, painful mouth sores, pain when swallowing, skin sores, cold or flu symptoms, cough, trouble breathing.

Common side effects may include:

  • anemia;
  • low platelets (easy bruising);
  • dizziness; or
  • headache.

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 ruxolitinib?

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with ruxolitinib, especially:

  • an antibiotic;
  • antifungal medicine; or
  • antiviral medicine to treat HIV or AIDS.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with ruxolitinib, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about ruxolitinib.

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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