Olutasidenib

Olutasidenib 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, decreased urination, swelling of arms or legs, dizziness or lightheadedness, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing. These symptoms may occur up to 18 months after starting treatment with olutasidenib.

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 olutasidenib for some time. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain tests before and during your treatment to check your body’s response to olutasidenib.

Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer’s patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with olutasidenib 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 ) to obtain the Medication Guide.

🔔 Why is this medication prescribed?

Olutasidenib is used to treat a certain type of acute myeloid leukemia (AML; a type of cancer that begins in the white blood cells) that has returned or that has not improved after previous treatment(s). Olutasidenib is in a class of medications called IDH1 inhibitors. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.

🔔 How should this medicine be used?

Olutasidenib comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken 2 times a day, at least 8 hours apart. Olutasidenib should be taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Take olutasidenib at around the same times 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 olutasidenib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Swallow the capsules whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.

As of August 2020, the most expensive drug in America is Myalept, a drug used to treat leptin deficiency. A month’s worse of this drug costs $71, 306 per month, according to research from GoodRx. Myalept is known as an “orphan drug” because it’s intended to treat a rare disease.

Your doctor may reduce your dose or temporarily or permanently stop your treatment with olutasidenib depending on your response to treatment or any side effects that you experience. Talk to your doctor about how you are feeling during your treatment. Do not stop taking olutasidenib without talking to your doctor first.

🔔 Other uses for this medicine

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

🔔 What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking olutasidenib,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to olutasidenib, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in olutasidenib capsules. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take while taking olutasidenib. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• The following nonprescription or herbal products may interact with olutasidenib: St. John’s Wort. Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know that you are taking this medications before you start taking olutasidenib. Do not start taking this herbal medication while taking olutasidenib without discussing with your healthcare provider.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking olutasidenib, call your doctor.

🔔 What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.