When you or a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, it's normal to feel very curious, and perhaps even nervous, about the treatment that will be given. Especially when you are prescribed a specific medicine like Ivosidenib (Tibsovo), it is very important to know exactly what it is. So today, let's talk about this medicine called Ivosidenib, very simply, in language that you can understand.
What kind of medicine is Ivosidenib?
Simply put, this is a type of "targeted therapy." It targets specific proteins in cancer cells and stops them from growing. This drug is mainly used to treat two conditions.
1. Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML): This is a cancer that develops in the blood and bone marrow.
2. Cholangiocarcinoma: This is a cancer that develops in the bile duct system of our body.
Your doctor may also prescribe this medicine for other conditions. If you have any questions about this, ask your doctor.
What should I tell the doctor before starting this medication?
Before your doctor prescribes this medication, you should definitely tell them if you have any of these conditions. This information is very important for your safety.
- If you have a nervous system disease called Guillain-Barre syndrome .
- If you have a history of heart disease or irregular heartbeat.
- If you have kidney disease or liver disease.
- If you have been told that your blood sodium, potassium, or magnesium levels are low.
- If you have had an allergic reaction to ivosidenib or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. (This is very important)
- If you are a mother who is breastfeeding.
How to use the medicine correctly?
Following the exact instructions for using this medicine is essential for the success of the treatment.
- This is a pill that you take by mouth. Take it exactly as your doctor has prescribed, at the same time every day .
- Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet. Swallow the tablet whole with water.
- You can take this before or after meals, but if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
- Remember! Do not take this medicine with a high-fat meal.
- Another important thing! Never take this medicine with grapefruit juice.
- Continue taking the medicine until the doctor tells you to stop.
What do you do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, 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.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, only if it is more than 12 hours until your next dose. If it is almost time for your next dose (less than 12 hours), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
If you vomit after taking the pill, do not take another pill. Take your next dose at the scheduled time.
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
Ivosidenib is a drug that can interact with other medications, so tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
| Drug type | Notes and examples |
|---|---|
| Medicines that should never be taken | Cisapride, Dronedarone, Pimozide, Thioridazine |
| Some antiviral drugs for HIV or Hepatitis | These may change the effects of Ivosidenib. |
| Medicines for fungal infections | Eg: Fluconazole, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole |
| Medications for irregular heartbeat | Ex: Amiodarone, Quinidine, Propafenone |
| Medicines for epilepsy/ seizures | Ex: Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin |
| Female hormones and birth control pills | The effectiveness of birth control pills may be reduced. |
| St. John's wort | Although this is a herbal product, it may interact with medication. |
| Other drugs that prolong the QT interval of the heartbeat | This can cause dangerous heart rhythm changes. |
Things to be especially careful about while taking the medicine
- Common side effects: It is normal to feel a little lightheaded or dizzy while taking this medicine. This is because cancer treatments can affect both cancer cells and healthy cells. If you experience any side effects, tell your doctor. Continue taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.
- Blood tests: Your doctor will order regular blood tests while you are taking this medication. It is important not to skip them.
- Pregnancy and fertility: This is a very important issue.
You should avoid getting pregnant while taking this medicine. If you are a woman, are trying to get pregnant, or suspect you are pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. If you are a man, you should avoid fathering a child while taking this medicine. This may cause serious harm to the unborn baby.
- Birth control: Birth control pills may not work as well while taking this medication, so be sure to talk to your doctor about using an additional form of birth control (e.g., condoms).
- Breastfeeding: Avoid breastfeeding your baby while taking this medicine and for one month after the last dose.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Ivosidenib can cause side effects. Some are minor, while others require immediate attention.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Edema | Sudden weight gain; swelling of ankles, feet, hands; difficulty breathing. |
| Changes in heart rate | Difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, fast or irregular heartbeat, fainting. |
| Other serious symptoms | Fever, vision changes, difficulty urinating, mouth sores, pain or numbness in the limbs, extreme fatigue. |
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Digestive system problems | Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain. |
| Other minor features | Loss of appetite, joint pain, muscle pain. |
How do you keep your medicine safe?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius).
- Throw away expired medications. Ask your doctor about the correct way to dispose of them. You may be able to find out about medicine take-back programs.
Take-Home Message
- Swallow the Ivosidenib tablet whole, without breaking, crushing, or chewing it. Take it at the same time every day.
- Avoid taking this medicine with grapefruit juice and fatty foods altogether.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
- Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine. Use an additional form of birth control.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience serious side effects such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or swelling.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
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