pacritinib

Pronunciation: pak RI ti nib

Brand: Vonjo

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

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

What is pacritinib?

Pacritinib is used to treat myelofibrosis in adults.

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

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

Some drugs should not be used with pacritinib. Your treatment plan may change if you also use:

  • nefazodone;
  • St. John's wort;
  • an antibiotic --clarithromycin, rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine, telithromycin;
  • antifungal medicine --itraconazole, ketoconazole;
  • antiviral medicine for HIV or hepatitis C --boceprevir, cobicistat, dasabuvir, elvitegravir, indinavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, nelfinavir, ombitasvir, paritaprevir, saquinavir, telaprevir, tipranavir;
  • cancer medicine --apalutamide, enzalutamide, mitotane;
  • seizure medicine --carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, primidone; or
  • steroid medicine --dexamethasone, prednisone.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • liver or kidney disease;
  • any other cancers;
  • a blood clot, or stroke;
  • a heart attack, or other heart problem;
  • if you have an infection;
  • if you have diarrhea (or loose stools), nausea or vomiting;
  • if you smoke or were a smoker; or
  • if you have active bleeding, have had severe bleeding, or plan to have surgery.

It is not known if pacritinib will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It may be harder for you to get a woman pregnant while you are using this medicine.

Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.

How should I take pacritinib?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

If you take other kinase inhibitors such as fedratinib or ruxolitinib you should not stop using these medicines suddenly before you start taking pacritinib. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

Pacritinib is usually taken by mouth twice every day with or without food.

Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.

You will need blood tests before you start taking pacritinib and during treatment.

Your treatment with pacritinib may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

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 pacritinib?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What are the possible side effects of pacritinib?

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

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • bleeding, bruising, and fever;
  • severe or ongoing diarrhea;
  • dizziness, a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
  • signs of a stroke --sudden numbness or weakness, severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;
  • signs of a blood clot in the lung --chest pain, sudden cough or shortness of breath, dizziness, coughing up blood;
  • signs of a blood clot deep in the body --pain, swelling, or warmth in one leg;
  • heart attack symptoms --chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating; or
  • signs of infection --fever, chills, sore throat, body aches, unusual tiredness, loss of appetite, bruising or bleeding.

Common side effects may include:

  • swelling in ankles, legs, and feet;
  • nausea and vomiting; or
  • pale skin, tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet.

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 pacritinib?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective.

Other drugs may affect pacritinib, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about pacritinib.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.