Has your doctor told you or someone in your family to start taking a medicine called Pacritinib? It's normal to have some questions and concerns when you hear about such a special medicine. So, today we'll talk about everything in a very simple and friendly way, such as what this medicine is, how to use it, and what you need to be careful about.
What is this medicine called Pacritinib?
Simply put, Pacritinib is a drug used to treat a condition called myelofibrosis . Myelofibrosis is a cancer that occurs in our bone marrow. In this, fibrous tissue replaces healthy cells in the bone marrow, interfering with blood production.
Pacritinib belongs to a class of drugs called kinase inhibitors . Imagine that inside the cells of our body, there are little messengers (proteins) that signal cells to grow and divide. What this drug does is stop the activity of certain proteins that help those diseased cells grow. It's like turning off a faulty switch in a running machine. In this way, controlling the growth of diseased cells is the main function of this drug.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before starting this medication, it is extremely important that your doctor has a complete picture of your health condition. Because that information will determine whether this medication is right for you, and how it should be given. If you have any of the following, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Status/habit | Description |
|---|---|
| Bleeding and blood clots | If you have had a bleeding disorder or blood clotting problem in the past. |
| Heart disease | If you have previously had a heart attack, stroke, or other heart disease. |
| Other medical conditions | Conditions such as other cancers, liver or kidney disease, an existing infection, diarrhea, or vomiting. |
| Lifestyle | If you are a tobacco or cigarette smoker. |
| Future plans | If you are going to have surgery in the future. |
| Personal information | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
| Allergies | If you have an allergy to pacritinib or any other medicine, food, or dye. |
How to use the medicine correctly?
It is very important to take your medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the right time.
- This medicine comes in the form of a capsule .
- Swallow the capsule whole with water . Never chew, break, or crush it.
- Get into the habit of taking your medicine at the same time every day. That way, you won't forget.
- This medicine can be taken before or after meals.
- Continue taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.
Warning: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
Don't worry. If you miss a dose, skip it altogether. Take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements), as some medicines can interact with pacritinib, changing its effects or increasing its side effects.
In particular, it is strongly advised not to take pacritinib with the following medications.
- Some antiviral drugs for HIV or AIDS
- Some antibiotics, such as clarithromycin and erythromycin
- Medicines for fungal infections, such as ketoconazole and itraconazole
- Antiepileptic drugs such as carbamazepine and phenytoin
- Rifampin
- St. John's wort herbal product
Additionally, it may interact with other medications that can cause changes in heart rhythm (prolong the QT interval). This list is not complete. So be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Regular check-ups: Your doctor will ask you to come to the clinic regularly to monitor your condition. He will also order blood tests (blood work). Do not miss these and do them regularly.
- Bleeding risk: This medicine may slightly increase your risk of bleeding or easy bruising. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any unusual bleeding (e.g., from your gums, nose) or severe bruising.
- Risk of infection: This medicine may slightly reduce the activity of your immune system. Therefore, the risk of developing infections is higher. If you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, and cough, do not self-medicate and call your doctor. Try to stay away from places where sick people are.
- Cancer risk: There is some evidence that this medication may slightly increase the risk of some other types of cancer. Talk to your doctor about this for more information.
- Effects on fertility: This medicine may affect male fertility. If you are hoping to have children, discuss this with your doctor before starting treatment.
- Breastfeeding: Do not breastfeed your baby while taking this medicine and for 2 weeks after stopping the medicine.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, this medicine can cause side effects in some people. However, not everyone gets them. Below are some of the possible side effects.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Bleeding | Black or bloody stools, vomiting something that looks like coffee grounds, red spots on the skin, unusual bleeding from the eyes/gums/nose. |
| Blood Clot | Chest pain, shortness of breath, leg pain, swelling, or warmth. |
| Symptoms of a Heart Attack | Difficulty breathing, pain or tightness in the chest/neck/arms, extreme fatigue. |
| Changes in heart rate | Dizziness, fast or irregular heartbeat, feeling faint. |
| Symptoms of a stroke | Vision changes, confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding, sudden numbness, difficulty walking. |
| Other | Severe diarrhea or vomiting, signs of infection (fever, chills). |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Swelling | Swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands. |
Take-Home Message
- Pacritinib is a medication that should be used with great care, only under the advice of a doctor.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- If you experience unusual bleeding, signs of infection, or other serious side effects while taking the medication, seek medical advice immediately.
- Do not share your prescribed medication with others for any reason.
- If you want to breastfeed a child or plan to become pregnant, talk to your doctor before starting treatment.
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