Gilteritinib is used to treat cancer of the white blood cells called acute myeloid leukaemia in adults with a defect in a gene called FLT3. It is used in individuals whose disease has come back or has not improved after previous therapy.
Take Gilteritinib exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not break or crush the tablets.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your response to the medication.
Gilteritinib must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose or if it is less than 12 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while on Gilteritinib therapy, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child.
It is important that you do not get pregnant while taking this medicine. You must use proven birth control methods during Gilteritinib therapy and for at least 6 months after stopping the treatment. If you use birth control medicines containing hormones, you must also need to use barrier methods, such as condoms or a diaphragm. You may wish to discuss other reliable methods of birth control with your doctor.
Men whose partners can become pregnant must use proven birth control methods during treatment with this medicine and for at least 4 months after stopping the treatment.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine and for at least 2 months after stopping the treatment.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart problems or heart rhythm disorder e.g. irregular heartbeat
- low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Your doctor may perform a test to verify if you have an alteration in your gene, to make sure that this medicine is right for you.
- Pregnancy tests must be done before treatment to know if Gilteritinib is suited for you to take.
- Routine blood tests may also be done before starting therapy and while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of side effects to the brain, heart, or pancreas may also be needed.
Gilteritinib may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: diarrhoea, nausea, constipation, weakness, tiredness, joint or muscle pain, pain in the limbs, and cough.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs and symptoms of differentiation syndrome (a condition that affects the blood cells) e.g. fever, difficulty breathing, rash, dizziness, lightheadedness, swelling of the arms or legs, rapid weight gain
- signs and symptoms of allergic reaction e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, or mouth
- signs and symptoms of heart rhythm problems e.g. dizziness, lightheadedness, passing out, fast heartbeat
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole
- medicines to treat depression e.g. escitalopram, sertraline, fluoxetine
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB, a lung infection known as tuberculosis)
- phenytoin (medicine for fits or seizures)
- St. John's wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Gilteritinib.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from moisture, light, and humidity.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
As this is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired tablets to the clinic, hospital, or pharmacy for disposal.
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