Gilteritinib is used to treat acute myeloid leukemia
(AML). It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer
cells.
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist
before you start taking gilteritinib 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, chew, or split the tablets.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and
response to treatment.
Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often
or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster,
and your risk of serious 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.
See also Warning section.
Tiredness, constipation, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea,
mouth sores, decreased appetite, changes in taste, headache, trouble
sleeping, or muscle/joint pain may occur. If any of these effects last or
get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check
your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are
high.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop
- stomach/abdominal pain
- vision changes (such as blurred vision, decreased
vision)
- mental/mood changes (such as confusion)
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- fast/irregular heartbeat
- severe dizziness
- fainting
- seizures
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking gilteritinib, 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.
Gilteritinib may cause a condition that affects the
heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious
(rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe
dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right
away.
The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have
certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT
prolongation. Before using gilteritinib, tell your doctor or pharmacist of
all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following
conditions:
- certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT
prolongation in the EKG)
- family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in
the EKG, sudden cardiac death)
Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may
also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you
use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have
conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your
doctor about using gilteritinib safely.
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness 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).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially QT prolongation (see above).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using gilteritinib.
Gilteritinib may harm an unborn baby. Women using this medication should
ask about reliable forms of birth control during treatment and for 6 months
after the last dose. Men using this medication should ask about reliable
forms of birth control during treatment and for 4 months after the last
dose. If you or your partner becomes 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 2 months after the last
dose. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Other medications can affect the removal of gilteritinib
from your body, which may affect how gilteritinib works. Examples include
itraconazole, rifamycins (such as rifampin), among others.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney/liver function,
blood mineral levels) should be done while you are taking this medication.
Keep all medical and lab appointments.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is within 12 hours of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your
next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Keep this medication in the container provided by your
pharmacist at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store
in a different container, such as a pill box. Do not store in the bathroom.
Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.