What is Idelalisib?
Idelalisib and rituximab are used to treat chronic leukemia as well as certain types of lymphoma.Idelalisib may be given when at least two other cancer treatments have failed or stopped working.
The FDA approved idelalisib for lymphoma treatment on an "accelerated basis". Some people showed a response to idelalisib in clinical studies. However, further research is needed.Idelalisib can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Idelalisib
If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling on your face or in your throat, or a severe reaction to the skin (fever or sore throat with burning eyes, skin pain or blistering, or a red or purple rash), seek emergency medical attention.
If you experience a severe drug reaction, seek medical attention. Symptoms include skin rashes, fevers, swollen lymph glands, severe muscle pains, and abnormal bruising or yellowing in the skin or eyes.
Idelalisib may cause serious damage to your liver or lungs. You could have severe or even life-threatening diarrhea or an intestinal perforation. These conditions can lead to serious complications.
Idelalisib may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Severe diarrhea is characterized by an increase in the number of stools per day.
- Easy bruising, unusual bleeding, or purple or red patches under the skin
- Intestinal problems—worsening stomach pain, fever, chills, vomiting;
- Jaundice (yellowing skin or eyes) is a sign of liver disease.
- The lung problem can worsen with coughing or wheezing.
- Low white blood cell count—fevers, mouth sores, and skin sores
If you experience certain side effects, your cancer treatment may be suspended or discontinued.
Side effects of idelalisib include:
- Nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea;
- Fever, cough, lung problems;
- Low white blood cells
- Abnormal liver function tests
- Rash; or
- Feeling tired?
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Imbruvica, prednisone, methotrexate, dexamethasone, decadron, rituximab, and cyclophosphamide
Warnings
Idelalisib may cause serious damage to your liver or lungs.Idelalisib may cause severe harm to the liver, lungs or intestines.
While taking idelalisib, you may experience severe or even life-threatening diarrhea. If your daily bowel movement increases by six or more, tell your doctor immediately.
Before you take this drug
If you've ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine, you may not be allowed to use idelalisib.
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- Liver disease
- Lung disease;
- A perforation is a hole (or tear) in the intestines.
Idelalisib may harm an unborn child if either the mother or father uses it.
- Women should not take idelalisib while pregnant. Before starting treatment, you may need to take a pregnancy test. Use birth control while taking this medication and for 1 month following your last dose.
- Use effective birth control if you're a man and your partner can get pregnant. Continue to use birth control at least three months after your last dose.
- If you become pregnant while using idelalisib, tell your doctor immediately.
Do not breastfeed for 1 month after the last dose of this medication.Idelalisib cannot be used by anyone under the age of 18.
How to take Idelalisib?
Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all directions. Follow the directions on the label.Take idelalisib either with or without food.Do not chew or crush the tablet.
While taking idelalisib, you may experience severe or even life-threatening diarrhea. If your daily bowel movement increases by six or more, tell your doctor immediately.It may be necessary to have frequent medical tests in order to ensure that this medication does not have any harmful side effects. The results may delay your cancer treatment.You should not stop taking idelalisib unless your doctor has advised you to.Keep this medicine at room temperature and away from heat, moisture, and
What happens if I miss the dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you can. However, if the dose is more than six hours past due, skip it. Take only one dose at a time.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Taking certain medicines together can be dangerous. Some drugs may affect the blood levels of drugs that you are taking, causing side effects or making them less effective.
Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal remedies, may also affect idelalisib. Tell your doctor about all medications you take and any you plan to start or stop taking.
