Bosutinib is used to treat a certain type of blood
cancer (chronic myelogenous leukemia-CML). It works by slowing or stopping
the growth of cancer cells.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start taking bosutinib and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with food as directed by
your doctor, usually once daily. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush,
break, chew, or cut the tablets. Avoid handling or touching crushed or
broken tablets.
If you are taking the capsule form of this medication,
swallow the capsules whole. If you have trouble swallowing the capsule,
read the Instructions for Use to learn how to prepare a dose by opening the
capsule(s) and mixing the contents with room temperature applesauce or
yogurt. Swallow all of the mixture right away without chewing. Do not
prepare a supply in advance.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and
response to treatment. Children's dosage is also based on body size. 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
serious side effects will increase.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day
Medications which reduce or block stomach acid (such as
proton pump inhibitors/PPIs, H2 blockers, antacids) may reduce the
absorption of bosutinib, making it work less well. Do not take PPIs (such
as omeprazole, lansoprazole) while using this medication. If you take
antacids or H2 blockers (such as famotidine, ranitidine), take these
medications at least 2 hours before or after bosutinib.
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice
while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may
do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this
medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and
lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become
pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the
tablets or capsules.
Nausea, vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, loss of
appetite, cough, joint pain, headache, or dizziness may occur. If any of
these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Diarrhea is a common side effect. Drink plenty of fluids
as directed by your doctor to reduce your risk of dehydration. Your doctor
may prescribe anti-diarrhea medication (such as loperamide) to control your
symptoms. Tell your doctor right away if you develop diarrhea that is
severe or doesn't stop, signs of dehydration (such as extreme thirst,
dizziness, decreased urination).
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.
This medication decreases bone marrow function, an
effect that may lead to a low number of blood cells such as red cells,
white cells, and platelets. This effect can cause anemia, decrease your
body's ability to fight an infection, or cause easy bruising/bleeding. Tell
your doctor right away if you develop any of the following unlikely
symptoms:
- unusual tiredness
- pale skin
- signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away,
fever, chills)
- easy bleeding/bruising
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- severe stomach/abdominal pain
- yellowing eyes/skin
- dark urine
- swelling hands/ankles/feet
- sudden weight gain
- signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of
urine)
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
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
Bosutinib can commonly cause a mild rash that is usually
not serious. However, you may not be able to tell it apart from a rare rash
that could be a sign of a severe allergic reaction. Get medical help right
away if you develop any rash.
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.
Before taking bosutinib, 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
- kidney disease
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. Avoid alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Alcohol may also increase the risk of serious liver
problems.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Tell your health care professional that you are using
bosutinib 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.
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and
lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become
pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the
tablets or capsules.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using bosutinib. Bosutinib
may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor should order a pregnancy test before
you start this medication. Ask about reliable forms of birth control while
using this medication and for 2 weeks 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 2 weeks after the last
dose. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
See also How to Use section.
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.
Some products that may interact with this drug
include:
- drugs that reduce stomach acid (for example, antacids, H2
blockers such as famotidine/ranitidine, proton pump inhibitors such as
omeprazole)
Other medications can affect the removal of bosutinib
from your body, which may affect how bosutinib works. Examples include
azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole, itraconazole), macrolide
antibiotics (such as clarithromycin), nefazodone, HIV protease inhibitors
(such as indinavir, nelfinavir), rifamycins (such as rifabutin), ritonavir,
St. John's wort, drugs used to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine,
phenytoin), telithromycin, among others.
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 kidney/liver function,
complete blood count) should be done while you are taking this medication.
Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more
details.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is more than 12 hours after the missed 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 bottle if you are using the tablet form of this
medication. Tightly close the bottle 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).