Uses
Idelalisib is used along with another medication rituximab (Rituxan) to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL; a type of cancer that begins in the white blood cells) in people whose cancer came back after receiving other cancer treatments. It is also used to treat certain types of follicular lymphoma (FL; a type of cancer that begins in the white blood cells) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL:a type of cancer that begins in the white blood cells) in people whose cancer came back after being treated with at least 2 other cancer treatments. Idelalisib is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of the abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps stop the spread of cancer cells.
Side Effects Of Idelalisib
Idelalisib may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- headache
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- decreased appetite
- increased thirst
- heartburn
- joint pain
- night sweats
- lack of energy
- swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the WARNING section, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- red, itching, peeling, or blistering skin
- painful sores or ulcers on your skin, lips, or in your mouth
- difficulty swallowing or breathing; swelling of the face, lips, or throat; hives; itching
- Idelalisib may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking idelalisib:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to idelalisib, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in idelalisib tablets. If you have ever had a severe allergic reaction in the past, such as swelling of your face, lips, or throat; difficulty swallowing or breathing; or peeling, blistering skin, your doctor will probably tell you not to take idelalisib. 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, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Equetro, others); clarithromycin (Biaxin, in PrevPac); itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox); ketoconazole (Nizoral); medications used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) such as efavirenz (Sustiva, in Atripla), indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), nevirapine (Viramune), ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra, in Technivie); midazolam; nefazodone; phenobarbital; phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek); pioglitazone (Actos, in Actoplus Met, in Duetact, in Oseni); rifabutin (Mycobutin); and rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, in Rifamate, in Rifater). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Many other medications may also interact with idelalisib, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what herbal products you are taking, especially St. John’s wort. You should not take St. John’s wort during your treatment with idelalisib.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or plan to father a child. You should not become pregnant during your treatment with idelalisib. You should use birth control to prevent pregnancy during your treatment with idelalisib 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 3 months after your final dose. If you or your partner become pregnant while taking idelalisib, call your doctor immediately. Idelalisib may harm the fetus.
- tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed while you are taking idelalisib and for at least one month after your final dose.
Idelalisib Dosage
Idelalisib comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food twice a day. Take idelalisib 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 idelalisib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.
Your doctor may decrease your dose of idelalisib 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 idelalisib even if you feel well. Do not stop taking idelalisib without talking to your doctor.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
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.
