When your doctor prescribes Glasdegib to you or someone in your family, it's normal to have a lot of questions about it. What is this medicine? What happens with it? Are there any side effects? Let's talk about all this in a friendly and simple way. After reading this article, you will have a better understanding of this medicine.
What is this Glasdegib?
Simply put, Glasdegib is a drug that is used to treat a type of cancer called leukemia. It comes in pill form.
There is a special protein in our body that helps cancer cells grow, that is, multiply and spread. What this medicine does is stop the activity of that protein. Then the growth and spread of cancer cells is largely controlled. This is the simplest way this medicine works.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
It is very important for your doctor to know your complete medical history before prescribing this medicine to you. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
- If you have heart disease.
- If you have low or high levels of electrolytes such as magnesium, potassium, or sodium in your blood.
- If the heartbeat is irregular.
- If you have kidney disease.
- If you have liver disease.
- If you have sudden muscle pain or muscle cramps.
- If you have previously had an allergic reaction to Glasdegib or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
How should I use the medicine?
Be aware of these points when using this medicine.
- Swallow this tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet.
- Try to take it at the same time every day, exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- You can take this before or after a meal, but if you feel an upset stomach, it is best to take it with a meal.
- Do not take more than the amount prescribed by your doctor.
- If you experience any side effects, your doctor may decide to change your dose or stop taking the medicine for a while. Never change your dose or stop taking the medicine without your doctor's advice.
Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take 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. Instead, take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Some medicines, foods, and drinks can interact with Glasdegib, so it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking (including vitamins and herbal products).
| Things that may interact with this medicine | |
|---|---|
| Never take these together. | |
| Dronedarone, Fluconazole, Pimozide, Posaconazole, Saquinavir, Thioridazine | |
| These things can also cause reactions - tell your doctor | |
| Medicines | Antibiotics such as Apalutamide, Clarithromycin, Ketoconazole, Carbamazepine, Rifampin, Ribociclib, HIV/hepatitis antivirals, antifungals, epilepsy medications, and other medications that alter heart rhythm. |
| Other things | Herbal products such as grapefruit juice and St. John's wort. |
This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
Things to be especially careful about when taking medication
While taking this medication, pay special attention to these points for your safety and the success of your treatment.
- Regular medical checkups: Visit your doctor on a regular basis to check how you are doing. It may take some time for the effects of this medication to show. You may also need to have blood tests to see how the medication is affecting your body.
- Pregnancy and birth control: This is extremely important . This medicine can cause serious birth defects in an unborn baby.
- Women: Avoid becoming pregnant completely while taking this medicine and for 30 days after taking the last pill. Talk to your doctor about reliable birth control.
- Men: Avoid fathering a child while you are taking this medicine and for 30 days after taking the last pill. Be sure to use a barrier method of birth control, such as a condom, to prevent your partner from getting pregnant.
- Breastfeeding: Avoid breastfeeding your baby while taking this medicine and for 30 days after taking the last pill.
- Sperm and blood donation:
- Avoid donating sperm while taking the medication and for 30 days after stopping.
- Avoid donating blood during this time, as the amount of medicine in donated blood can harm the fetus if given to a pregnant woman.
- Fertility: This medication may affect fertility. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about this.
What are the possible side effects?
Like all medicines, Glasdegib can cause some side effects. Not everybody gets them, but it's important to be aware of them.
| Side effect | Description and symptoms |
|---|---|
| Things to inform your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Abnormal bleeding | Black tarry stools, brown vomit like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red/purple spots on the skin, and occasional bruising. |
| Changes in heart rate | Feeling like your heart is beating fast, dizziness, fainting, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat. |
| Low red blood cells | Unusual fatigue, dizziness, headache, difficulty breathing. |
| Muscle damage | Unusual fatigue, muscle pain, dark yellow or brown urine, decreased urine output. |
| If it persists or is bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Other minor ailments | Change in taste, loss of appetite, joint pain, nausea, mouth sores, swelling of the ankles, hands or feet, unusual tiredness. |
How to store the medicine?
- Keep it in a safe place out of reach of children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius).
- Throw away expired medication.
- Ask your doctor how to safely dispose of medications that are no longer needed or that have expired.
Take-Home Message
- Glasdegib is a medicine for leukemia. Always take it exactly as your doctor tells you, at the right time. Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet.
- Tell your doctor about any other medications, vitamins, or herbal products you are taking.
- Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medication and for 30 days after stopping. This is important for both women and men.
- Tell your doctor immediately if you notice unusual bleeding, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or symptoms of a severe allergic reaction.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others. Talk openly with your doctor about any questions you may have.
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