Uses
Duvelisib is used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL; a type of cancer that begins in the white blood cells) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL; a type of cancer that begins mostly in the lymph nodes) that has returned or is unresponsive to at least two other treatments. It is also used to treat certain types of follicular lymphoma (FL; a type of cancer that begins in the white blood cells) in adults whose cancer that has returned or is unresponsive to at least two other treatments. Duvelisib is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the signals that cause cancer cells to multiply. This helps to stop the spread of cancer cells.
Side Effects Of Duvelisib
Duvelisib may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- nausea
- vomiting
- constipation
- tiredness
- headache
- muscle or joint pain
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS section, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- yellow eyes or skin; abdominal pain; unexplained bruising or bleeding; loss of appetite; yellow or brown-colored urine; pale stools; or pain in the upper right part of the stomach
Duvelisib may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking duvelisib:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to duvelisib, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in duvelisib capsules. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: carbamazepine (Epitol, Tegretol, Teril, others); clarithromycin (Biaxin); medications used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) such as efavirenz (Sustiva, in Atripla), indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), nevirapine (Viramune), and ritonavir (Norvir, in others); itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox); ketoconazole, midazolam; nefazodone; phenobarbital; phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek); pioglitazone (Actos); rifabutin (Mycobutin); and rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, in Rifamate). Many other medications may also interact with duvelisib, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking, especially St. John’s wort.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You must have a pregnancy test before you start taking duvelisib. You should not become pregnant during your treatment with duvelisib. If you are female, you should use birth control to prevent pregnancy during your treatment with duvelisib and at least 1 month after your final dose. If you are a male and your partner can become pregnant, you should use effective birth control during your treatment and for 1 month after your final dose. If you or your partner become pregnant while taking duvelisib, call your doctor immediately. Duvelisib may harm the fetus.
- tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed while you are taking duvelisib and for at least 1 month after your final dose.
Duvelisib Dosage
Duvelisib comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken twice daily with or without food. Take duvelisib at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take duvelisib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the capsule whole; do not open, chew, or break them.
Your doctor may decrease your dose of duvelisib or tell you to stop taking the medication for a time or permanently if you experience serious side effects during your treatment. This depends on how well the medication works for you and the side effects you experience.
Talk to your doctor about how you are feeling during your treatment. Continue to take duvelisib even if you feel well. Do not stop taking duvelisib without talking to your doctor.
Other
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
