Ruxolitinib
Generic name: ruxolitinib [ RUX-oh-LI-ti-nib ]
Brand name: Jakafi
Dosage form: oral tablet (10 mg; 15 mg; 20 mg; 25 mg; 5 mg)
Drug class:Multikinase inhibitors
What is ruxolitinib?
Ruxolitinib is used in adults to treat myelofibrosis or polycythemia vera, which are bone marrow disorders that that affect your body's ability to produce blood cells.
Ruxolitinib is also used to treat graft versus host disease in adults and children at least 12 years old.
Ruxolitinib is usually given after other treatments have failed.
Ruxolitinib may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use ruxolitinib if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had tuberculosis or if anyone in your household has tuberculosis. Also tell your doctor if you have recently traveled. Tuberculosis and some fungal infections are more common in certain parts of the world, and you may have been exposed during travel.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
any type of chronic infection;
kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
liver disease (especially hepatitis B);
skin cancer; or
high cholesterol or triglycerides (types of fat in the blood).
Using ruxolitinib may increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Talk to your doctor about this risk and what skin symptoms to watch for.
It is not known whether ruxolitinib will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
You should not breastfeed while you are using ruxolitinib, and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.
Ruxolitinib is not approved to treat myelofibrosis or polycythemia vera in anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I take ruxolitinib?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. You will need frequent medical tests to help your doctor determine the best dose. When you first start taking ruxolitinib, your blood will need to be tested every 2 to 4 weeks.
You may take ruxolitinib with or without food. The ruxolitinib tablet can also be given ...
