This medication is used to treat a certain type of
cancer (myelofibrosis) in people with anemia (low red blood cell count).
Momelotinib belongs to a class of drugs known as kinase inhibitors. It
works by blocking your body from producing substances called growth
factors. Growth factors cause cells to grow and divide, and cause the blood
cell and spleen problems found in myelofibrosis. Though not a cure for this
condition, momelotinib may help with some of the symptoms, including
abdominal discomfort, pain under left ribs, early feelings of fullness from
meals, night sweats, itching, and bone/muscle pain.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start taking momelotinib and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Swallow the tablets whole. Do
not crush or chew the tablets. The dosage is based on your medical
condition and response to treatment.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each
day.
Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or
for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and
your risk of side effects will increase.
Dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or
tiredness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your
doctor or pharmacist promptly.
People using this medication may have serious side
effects. However, you have been prescribed this drug because your doctor
has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side
effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your
risk.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- signs of liver problems (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't
stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark
urine)
- easy bruising/bleeding
This medication may lower your ability to fight
infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal)
infection or make any infection you have worse. Tell your doctor right away
if you have any signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go
away, fever, chills).
Another medication similar to momelotinib has caused
serious (possibly fatal) side effects, including heart problems, blood
clots, and cancer (such as lymphoma). Before using momelotinib, tell your
doctor or pharmacist if you have a history of heart disease, stroke, or
cancer, or if you have any risk factors for heart disease (such as high
blood pressure, diabetes, previous blood clots, high cholesterol, smoking
or history of smoking). Discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with
your doctor. Get medical help right away if you have symptoms such as
shortness of breath/rapid breathing, chest/jaw/left arm pain, unusual
sweating, sudden dizziness/fainting, pain/swelling/warmth in the
groin/calf, sudden/severe headaches, trouble speaking, or weakness on one
side of the body.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
See also Side Effects section.
Before taking momelotinib, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- liver disease
- current/past infections
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Momelotinib can make you more likely to get infections
or may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who has an
infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles,
flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for
more details.
Tell your health care professional that you are using
momelotinib before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact
with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine
inhaled through the nose).
To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured,
use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid
activities such as contact sports.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using momelotinib.
Momelotinib may harm an unborn baby. Ask about reliable forms of birth
control while using this medication and for 1 week after the last dose. If
you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and
benefits of this medication.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this medication and for 1 week after the last dose.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood counts,
liver function) should be done before you start taking this medication and
while you are taking it. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult
your doctor for more details.
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store in the original container at room temperature away
from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep the drying
agent (desiccant) in the container. Tightly close the container when not in
use. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical
emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call
1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).