What is Tavalisse?
Tavalisse is part of a class of drugs referred to as spleen tyrosine kinase inhibitors. It increases the number of platelets that are present in the blood. Tavalisse helps treat chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), a bleeding condition in which the number of a particular kind of blood cell (platelets) is less than normal. Tavalisse is administered when other treatments have not worked. It isn't known whether the medicine has been proven safe or effective for children.
Warnings
Tavalisse may raise blood pressure, occasionally to levels that are dangerous. Fostamatinib can also trigger liver issues as well as extreme diarrhea and infections.
Tavalisse could make you more likely to develop infections or increase the severity of any existing infections. Beware of contact with people who suffer from infections that could cause infection in other people (such as measles, chickenpox, and flu). Contact your doctor if you are exposed to a disease.
Contact your physician for headaches, chest discomfort, breathlessness, severe discomfort in the stomach, heat, or a sore throat.
Before you start take this medicine
Tavalisse is not a product that is approved to be used by anyone younger than 18 years old.
To ensure that this medication is suitable for you, inform your doctor if you've previously had:
- hypertension or
- problems with the liver
Do not take Tavalisse when you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Make sure you use effective birth control methods to avoid pregnancy during your use of this medication and for at least one month after the last dose. Do not breastfeed while taking this medication or for at least one month following the last dose.
How to take Tavalisse?
You should take Tavalisse exactly as directed by your physician. Follow all instructions on the prescription label, and make sure you read all the instructions or medication guides. Your doctor might alter your dosage.
You can take Tavalisse without or with food.
Fostamatinib can cause diarrhea. You might need to modify the way you eat, consume more fluids, or use anti-diarrhea medicine. Follow the instructions of your doctor for the treatment or prevention of diarrhea.
Tavalisse may raise your blood pressure, sometimes to levels that are dangerous. Your blood pressure needs to be regularly checked.
It is also necessary to undergo regular medical tests. Your doctor might alter the dosage or even stop taking this medication in light of test results.
Keep the tablets at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Store the tablets in the original container together with the package or canister of preservative that absorbs moisture.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Thrombocytopenia:
100 mg taken orally two times every day. After one month, if the platelet count hasn't increased to at least 50 100 x 10(9)/L, increase it up to 150 mg two times a day.
Comments:
This medication can be taken with or without food.
If you have missed a dose, inform patients to get their next dose at the regular time.
Use the lowest dose to maintain an average platelet count of 50 10(9)/L to minimize the chance of bleeding.
Use: To treat thrombocytopenia among adult patients suffering from ITP, a chronic condition, that have experienced an insufficient response to prior treatment.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Do not miss the missed dose, and take the next dose at the normal time. Do not take two doses at once.
What happens if I overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
Avoid this
Follow your doctor's advice regarding any restrictions on your food, drink, or activity.
Side effects of Tavalisse
Get immediate medical attention. If you are experiencing symptoms that you are experiencing an allergic reaction to Tavalisse, such as hives, breathing problems, and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue,
Contact your doctor immediately. If you are suffering from:
- severe diarrhea;
- stomach discomfort (upper right);
- dark urine; jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin);
- chest pain, headaches, shortness of breath, or
- Sore throat, fever, or other symptoms of an infection
Your Tavalisse dosages could be delayed or completely stopped in the event of specific side effects.
Common Tavalisse side effects can include:
- raised blood pressure
- diarrhoea, nausea, and stomach pain;
- abnormal tests of liver function;
- chest pain;
- dizziness, tiredness;
- The rash or
- Cold symptoms like congestion, sneezing, and a sore throat.
This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects, and others could happen. Contact your physician to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drugs
Other drugs can interfere with fostamatinib. This includes medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about your current medications and any medications you begin or stop taking.
