Has your doctor prescribed Duvelisib to you or someone you know? This is a special medicine that is used to treat cancer conditions such as leukemia and lymphoma. It is normal to feel a little scared and nervous when you hear the name of a medicine like this. But if you are properly informed about this medicine, you can eliminate that fear. So, let's talk simply and clearly about this medicine, the things to be careful about when using it, and the possible side effects.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, Duvelisib is a drug that blocks a specific protein that helps cancer cells grow and spread. Cancer occurs when cells in our body divide and multiply uncontrollably. So what this drug does is block the protein that signals cancer cells to grow. Then the ability of cancer cells to grow, divide, and multiply is reduced. This is how this drug helps control cancer. It is also commonly available in the market under the name Copiktra.
Things to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before starting this medication, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Because that information will determine whether this medication is suitable for you, and how it should be given. Be sure to mention the following in particular:
- Infection: Any infection you currently have, such as a fever, cough, or cold.
- Lung disease: If you have breathing difficulties such as lung disease, asthma, or COPD.
- Stomach problems: If you have any problems with your stomach or intestines.
- Allergies: If you have previously had an allergic reaction to Duvelisib or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- Pregnancy: If you or your partner are trying to get pregnant, or are currently pregnant. This is very important.
- Breastfeeding: If you are a breastfeeding mother.
How exactly do I use this medicine?
This is an oral pill. As the doctor said, following the instructions greatly affects the success of the treatment.
- Drink this with a glass of water.
- Just like the doctor said, try to take it at the same time every day .
- Do not break, crush, or chew this tablet. Swallow it whole.
- You can take it before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
- Continue using it until your doctor tells you to stop.
If you take more medicine than you intended, don't delay. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give it to anyone else with the same illness just because it has made you feel better.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
Forgetting to take your medicine can happen to anyone. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is more than 6 hours late . However, if it is more than 6 hours late , skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Other medications you are taking can affect the way Duvelisib works. So tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including vitamins and herbal remedies.
| Type of medicine | Description and examples |
|---|---|
| Medicines that should never be taken with Duvelisib | |
| Flibanserin | A medicine given for problems related to sexual desire in women. |
| Lomitapide | Used to treat high cholesterol levels. |
| Lonafarnib | Used to treat rare genetic conditions. |
| Other medications that may interact with Duvelisib | |
| Some antibiotics | Eg: Erythromycin, Clarithromycin |
| Antiviral drugs for HIV or Hepatitis | Inform the doctor about this. |
| Medicines for fungal infections | Ex: Ketoconazole, Itraconazole |
| Medications for seizures | Ex: Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin |
| Midazolam | A drug given for sedation or before anesthesia. |
| Rifampin | A medicine given for infections such as tuberculosis. |
Things to be careful about when taking medication
It is very important to pay attention to changes in your body while taking this medication.
Regular medical check-up
Your doctor will check you regularly while you are taking this medicine. You may also need to have regular blood tests to check for changes in your blood and liver function. Do not skip these tests.
Possible severe skin reactions
Severe skin reactions can sometimes occur even weeks after starting this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you develop a rash along with symptoms such as fever and chills . These rashes may turn red or purple, then blister and the skin may start to peel. Also, a red rash along with swelling of the face, lips, or swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpits is a dangerous sign.
Risk of infection
This medicine can lower your immunity , making you more likely to get sick. If you have symptoms of a cold such as fever, chills, sore throat, and cough, do not self-medicate and call your doctor. Avoid going to places where people are sick as much as possible.
About pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility
This is a very important part.
- Pregnancy: When taking this medicine andYou should avoid getting pregnant for 1 month after stopping the medication. This can cause serious birth defects in the baby. You should take a pregnancy test before starting the medication to make sure you are not pregnant. Ask your doctor for advice on appropriate birth control during this time.
- For men: If your partner is able to get pregnant, it is essential to use a condom during sexual intercourse while taking this medication and for 1 month after stopping.
- Breastfeeding: Do not breastfeed your baby while taking this medicine and for 1 month after stopping.
- Fertility: This medication may affect fertility. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Duvelisib can cause side effects. However, not everyone gets them. Some are serious, while others are common. The most important thing is to be aware of these symptoms and tell your doctor right away if you have any problems.
| Side Effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Difficulty breathing | Unexplained dry cough, difficulty breathing. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, sore throat, non-healing wounds, urinary tract infections. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Pain in the upper right abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine. |
| Anemia (Low red blood cell level) | Unusual fatigue, dizziness, headache, difficulty breathing. |
| Severe skin reactions | Redness of the skin, blistering, peeling of the skin, sores inside the mouth. |
| Severe stomach ache | Severe or persistent stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting. |
| Abnormal bleeding | Bleeding that does not stop even from a small wound, blood spots under the skin. |
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Bone, joint, or muscle pain | General body aches. |
| Tiredness | Feeling more tired than usual. |
| Headache | Slight headache. |
| Nausea | Stomach upset, vomiting. |
| Mouth or throat sores | Redness, swelling, or pain in the mouth or throat. |
How do you store and remove the medicine?
- Safe storage: Keep out of reach of children and pets . Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Keep the medicine in the original bottle it came in.
- Disposal: Do not use expired medications. If you need to dispose of them, ask your doctor. Alternatively, take the pills out of the bottle, mix them with something like used tea leaves, coffee grounds, or soil, put them in a bag, seal it, and throw it in the trash. Never flush them down the toilet.
Take-Home Message
- Duvelisib is a drug that stops the growth of cancer cells such as leukemia and lymphoma.
- Take the prescribed dose, at the prescribed time, as prescribed by the doctor. Do not break, crush, or chew the pill.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and other medications you are taking.
- If you experience symptoms such as fever, severe skin rashes, severe stomach pain, or unusual bleeding, inform your doctor immediately.
- Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine and for 1 month after stopping. Use appropriate birth control.
- If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask your doctor. Don't make decisions on your own.
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