Iclusig (Ponatinib) for Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

Overview
Iclusig is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat certain types of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a type of myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN), in adults. Doctors prescribe Iclusig to individuals with CML in the chronic phase (the first phase of the disease) who haven’t responded well to at least two other treatments, as well as to those with more advanced phases of CML (accelerated or blast phase) when other treatments aren’t suitable. It is also approved for individuals with a specific genetic change, called T315I, which makes their CML resistant to other treatments. Iclusig is also called by its drug name, ponatinib.

Iclusig works by blocking a protein, BCR-ABL, that causes the cancer cells to grow out of control. By stopping this protein, Iclusig can help slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Iclusig is taken as a tablet by mouth, usually at a starting dose of one tablet per day. For individuals with chronic phase CML, the dose may be lowered once the cancer cell activity in the blood is very low. Iclusig can be taken with or without food. Iclusig should be taken exactly as prescribed by a health care provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Iclusig include skin rashes, joint pain, stomach pain, headache, constipation, dry skin, high blood pressure, tiredness, swelling, fever, nausea, increased levels of lipase (an enzyme related to pancreas function), bleeding, anemia (low red blood cells), liver issues, and blood flow problems in arteries.

Rare but serious side effects may include hypertension (high blood pressure), pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), neuropathy (nerve damage), ocular toxicity (including vision problems), hemorrhage (bleeding), fluid retention, cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), myelosuppression (low blood cell counts), tumor lysis syndrome (a rapid breakdown of cancer cells that can harm the kidneys), reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS, a brain condition), impaired wound healing, gastrointestinal perforation (holes in the stomach or intestines), and embryo-fetal toxicity (potential harm to an unborn baby if taken during pregnancy).

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Label: Iclusig — Ponatinib Hydrochloride Tablet, Film Coated — DailyMed