Perhaps you or someone in your family has been prescribed a medicine called 'Ruxolitinib' by your doctor. This name may sound a bit complicated. But don't be afraid. The most important thing is to be fully informed about these special medications and use them. So today, let's talk about what this medicine is, what it does, and what we need to be careful about when using it.
What is Ruxolitinib?
Simply put, Ruxolitinib is a drug that targets certain proteins inside our body's cells and controls their activity, which means it stops the cells from growing. This is called targeted therapy .
This medicine is mainly used to treat three conditions:
- Myelofibrosis: This is when fibrous tissue builds up in the bone marrow, interfering with the production of healthy blood cells.
- Polycythemia Vera: In this condition, the body produces more red blood cells than necessary.
- Graft-versus-host disease: This occurs after something like a bone marrow transplant, when the transplanted cells start attacking our own body.
Your doctor may also recommend this medicine for other conditions.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before starting this medication, it is very important to tell your doctor about any health problems you have. If you have any of the following, be sure to tell them about it.
| Status | Description |
|---|---|
| Heart disease and blood vessel problems | If you have had a previous heart attack or stroke, blood clotting problems, or high cholesterol levels. |
| Infections | Current or past history of Tuberculosis (TB), Hepatitis, or any other bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. |
| Kidney or liver disease | If you have kidney disease or are on dialysis, or have liver disease. |
| Blood problems and cancer | If you have low blood counts, low white blood cells, low red blood cells, or low platelets, or if you have another cancer. |
| Other points | Tell your doctor if you are a smoker, trying to get pregnant, pregnant, or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to ruxolitinib or any other medicine or food. |
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine should be taken orally with a glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
Very important: Avoid drinking grapefruit juice completely while taking this medication, as grapefruit juice can affect the way this medication works.
Try to take your medicine at the same time every day. Take the dose exactly as your doctor prescribed. If you have side effects, your doctor may tell you to change the dose or stop taking the medicine. Never change the dose or stop taking the medicine without your doctor's advice.
What if you miss a dose of medicine?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose for any reason.
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.
Other medications that may interact with Ruxolitinib
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, traditional medicines, vitamins, and herbal products (such as St. John's wort). Some medicines may interact with Ruxolitinib.
Below are just a few examples:
- Some antiviral medications taken for HIV or AIDS
- Medicines for fungal infections (e.g. fluconazole, ketoconazole)
- Some antibiotics (e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin)
- Some medications for epilepsy/ seizures (e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin)
- Rifampin (a medicine for tuberculosis)
- The herbal product St. John's wort
This list is not complete, so it is very important to tell your doctor about everything you are taking .
What are the special things to be careful about when taking the medicine?
It's a good idea to pay attention to changes in your body while taking this medication.
- Blood tests: Your doctor will often order blood tests to check for things like changes in the size of your blood cells.
- Risk of infection: This medicine can reduce the body's ability to fight disease, that is, immunity. Therefore, if you experience symptoms such as fever, cold, sore throat, cough, do not self-medicate, but tell your doctor. Minimize going to places where sick people are as much as possible.
- Bleeding and bruising: If you develop unexplained bruising on your body, or if bleeding does not stop even from a minor injury, inform your doctor.
- Cancer risk: Some people taking this medication may have a slightly increased risk of developing other types of cancer, such as skin cancer. So cover your skin when going out in the sun, use sunscreen, and talk to your doctor about this as well.
- Serious brain infection: Very rarely, some patients may develop a serious brain infection. Tell your doctor immediately if you have trouble seeing, speaking, thinking, walking, or standing, or if you have confusion.
- Nursing mothers: Do not breastfeed your baby while taking this medicine and for 2 weeks after stopping the medicine.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, Ruxolitinib can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common. It is important to be aware of these.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Blood clot | Chest pain, difficulty breathing, pain, swelling, or a warm feeling in a leg. |
| Heart attack | Difficulty breathing, pain or stiffness in the chest, neck, back, or arms, extreme fatigue. |
| Stroke | Vision changes, confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding, severe headache, sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg. |
| Unusual bleeding or bruising | Unexplained bruises, bleeding that won't stop. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Other minor ailments | Diarrhea, headache, muscle cramps, swelling of the limbs. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual, talk to your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
- Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medicine.
- If you notice signs of infection such as fever and cough, or unusual bleeding or bruising, seek medical advice immediately.
- If you experience serious symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or difficulty speaking, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- Never stop taking medication or change the dosage without your doctor's advice.
- If you have any concerns about this medication, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about it.
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