Has your doctor prescribed this medicine to you or someone you know? Since it is a medicine given to someone fighting cancer, you may be a little scared and curious about it. That is normal. Today, let's talk about this medicine called Gilteritinib, very simply, in language that you can understand.
Simply put, what is this medicine?
Gilteritinib is a special medicine that is given to stop the growth of cancer cells. More precisely, it targets certain proteins inside cancer cells, stopping them from dividing and growing. It is mainly used to treat a type of blood cancer called Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) . Sometimes your doctor may also prescribe this medicine for other medical conditions. So if you have any questions, never hesitate to ask your doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before starting this medication, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to mention the following in particular:
- If you have an allergy to this medicine, Gilteritinib, or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you have heart disease.
- If you have a history of irregular heartbeat.
- If you have a history of low potassium or magnesium levels in your blood.
- If you are trying to get pregnant or are currently pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether this medication is suitable for you or not and how to give it.
How should I use this medicine?
Following the exact instructions for using the medicine has a great impact on the success of the treatment.
- Swallow this tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet.
- You can take this with or without food. But the most important thing is to take it the same way every day. If you take it in the morning after breakfast, take it the same way every day.
- Take the medicine at the prescribed time and at the prescribed intervals. Do not take more than the prescribed amount.
- Do not stop taking the medication without your doctor's advice. It is very important to complete the course of treatment.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is less than 12 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose. Just take the next dose at the regular time. Never take a double dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, 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. Never share it with anyone else.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Some medications, foods, and supplements can interact with this medicine. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including medications for other conditions, vitamins, traditional medicines, and herbal products).
| Interactions with Gilteritinib | |
|---|---|
| Do not take this medicine with any other medicine. | |
| Cisapride | dronedarone |
| fluconazole | pimozide |
| saquinavir | thioridazine |
| These things can also cause problems (tell your doctor). | |
Antiviral drugs for HIV or AIDS Apalutamide Some antibiotics such as Clarithromycin and Telithromycin Some antidepressants such as escitalopram, fluoxetine, sertraline Antifungals such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole Anticonvulsant medications such as carbamazepine and phenytoin Grapefruit juice St. John's wort (herbal supplement) Other medications such as Rifampin, Conivaptan, Idelalisib, Mifepristone, Nefazodone, Ribociclib | |
*Note: This list is not exhaustive. So be sure to tell your doctor about everything you are taking.*
Things to be especially careful about while taking the medicine
- Regular check-ups: Go to clinics and get blood tests done as prescribed by your doctor. It may take some time for the results of this medicine to show. So have faith in the treatment.
- Pregnancy and childbirth: This is very important.
- Breastfeeding: Avoid breastfeeding your baby while taking this medicine and for 2 months after stopping.
- Keep away from children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius).
- Keep the medicine in the original bottle, tightly closed, and away from light and moisture.
- Do not use expired medications. Dispose of them properly. You can ask your doctor or hospital for advice on how to dispose of them.
- Gilteritinib is a targeted therapy for the cancer Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML).
- Take the prescribed dose, at the prescribed time, exactly as your doctor tells you. Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
- It is very important to avoid pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking the medicine and for a period of time after stopping it.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or allergic reactions, seek medical advice immediately.
- Talk openly with your doctor about any questions or fears you have.
Women should avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping the medicine. Men should avoid fathering a child while taking this medicine and for 4 months after stopping the medicine. This medicine can seriously harm an unborn baby. Ask your doctor for more information.
What are the possible side effects?
Like all medications, there is a chance of side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| If you have these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Changes in heart rate | Chest pain, dizziness, fast or irregular heartbeat, fainting, trouble breathing. |
| Other serious symptoms | Blurred vision, difficulty breathing, cough, fever or chills, seizures, confusion, stomach pain, swelling of the hands and feet, difficulty urinating or a change in the amount of urine. |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists or is bothersome) | |
| Minor side effects | Constipation, joint pain, muscle pain, nausea, fatigue. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, tell your doctor about them as well.
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