Gilteritinib

Gilteritinib may cause a serious or life-threatening group of symptoms called differentiation syndrome. Your doctor will monitor you carefully to see whether you are developing this syndrome. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: fever, cough, rash, sudden weight gain, dizziness, decreased urination, swelling of your arms or legs, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or bone pain. These symptoms may occur up to 3 months after starting treatment with gilteritinib. At the first sign that you are developing differentiation syndrome, your doctor will prescribe medications to treat the syndrome, and may tell you to stop taking gilteritinib for some time.

Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer’s patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with gilteritinib and each time you refill your prescription. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website (http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm085729.htm) or the manufacturer’s website to obtain the Medication Guide.

🔔 Why is this medication prescribed?

Gilteritinib is used to treat a certain type of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that has worsened or returned after treatment with other chemotherapy medications. Gilteritinib is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of a certain naturally occurring substance that may be needed to help cancer cells multiply.

🔔 How should this medicine be used?

Gilteritinib comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once daily with or without food for at least 6 months. Take gilteritinib at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take gilteritinib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Swallow the tablets whole with water; do not split, chew, or crush them.

Your doctor may adjust your dose or temporarily or permanently stop your treatment depending on how well the medication works for you and if you experience any side effects. Talk to your doctor about how you are feeling during your treatment. Continue to take gilteritinib even if you feel well. Do not stop taking gilteritinib without talking to your doctor.

Even with health insurance, patients in the U. S. have a hard time affording their medical care. About one in five working-age Americans with health insurance, and more than half of those without health insurance, reported having trouble paying their medical bills in the last year, according to S. News & World Report.

🔔 Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.