This medication is used to treat people with a certain
blood disorder known as chronic immune thrombocytopenia-ITP. This is a
condition where the amount of one type of cell in your blood (platelets) is
lower than normal. ITP can lead to serious bleeding problems. Fostamatinib
belongs to a class of drugs known as spleen tyrosine kinase inhibitors. It
works by increasing platelets in your blood.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start taking fostamatinib 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 twice daily. 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 times each
day.
Diarrhea is a common side effect. Tell your doctor
promptly if you have diarrhea. Ask your healthcare provider about how to
manage diarrhea, such as by changing your diet, taking anti-diarrhea
medicine, and drinking enough water to prevent dehydration.
Nausea, upset stomach, abdominal pain, dizziness, or
tiredness may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell
your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
This medication may cause or worsen high blood pressure.
Your blood pressure should be checked regularly. Your doctor may start or
adjust medication(s) to treat high blood pressure.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
Fostamatinib may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal)
liver disease. Get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of
liver damage, such as:
- nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop
- loss of appetite
- stomach/abdominal pain
- yellowing eyes/skin
- dark urine
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, cough).
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.
Before taking fostamatinib, 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:
- high blood pressure
- liver problems
- surgery to remove spleen
- bleeding/blood problems (such as blood clots)
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).
Fostamatinib 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
fostamatinib before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact
with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine
inhaled through the nose).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially high blood pressure.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using fostamatinib.
Fostamatinib may harm an unborn baby. Ask about reliable forms of birth
control while using this medication and for at least 1 month 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 at least 1 month 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.
Other medications can affect the removal of fostamatinib
from your body, which may affect how fostamatinib works. Examples include
azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole/itraconazole), rifamycins (such as
rifampin/rifampicin), St. John's wort, drugs used to treat seizures (such
as carbamazepine, phenytoin), 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 complete blood count,
liver function, blood pressure) should be done while you are taking this
medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments.
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 bottle at room temperature away
from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep the drying
agent (desiccant) in the bottle. Some brands of this medication should be
used within 60 days of opening the bottle. Check the product package or ask
your pharmacist about your specific brand. 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).