Gilteritinib
About Gilteritinib
Gilteritinib belongs to the group of medicines called protein kinase inhibitors used to treat acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in adult patients who have relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) with an FLT3 mutation. Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a type of cancer that begins in the bone marrow, the spongy tissue responsible for producing blood cells. It is characterized by the abnormal production of myeloid cells, which disrupt the development of healthy blood cells.
Gilteritinib contains Gilteritinib, which inhibits the activity of the enzyme FLT3 (FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3). This enzyme is crucial for the growth and survival of certain cancer cells. By blocking the activity of FLT3, gilteritinib helps stop the growth and division of cancer cells, leading to their death. This targeted approach makes gilteritinib an effective treatment for AML patients with FLT3 mutations.
Take Gilteritinib as prescribed by your doctor. It may cause specific side effects such as fatigue, fever, mucositis (inflammation of the mucosa), oedema, rash, non-infectious diarrhoea, dyspnea (feeling short of breath), nausea, cough, constipation, headache, dizziness, and vomiting. While most side effects are temporary and resolve independently, it's essential to consult your doctor if they persist or worsen over time.
Inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking, if you are allergic to any of its ingredients and pre-existing medical conditions, if you have breathing or lung problems, irregular heartbeat, QT prolongation, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, pancreatitis, severe renal impairment, or liver disease. Gilteritinib is not recommended to use during pregnancy as it may harm your unborn baby, and not to breastfeed during treatment with Gilteritinib for at least 2 months after the final dose.
Uses of Gilteritinib
• Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): Gilteritinib helps slow the progression of leukemia by inhibiting cancer cell growth.
• Improves Survival Rates in AML Patients: Gilteritinib is used in relapsed or refractory AML cases and helps control leukemia cell proliferation, improving treatment outcomes.
Medicinal Benefits
Gilteritinib belongs to the group of medicines called protein kinase inhibitors used to treat acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in patients who are FLT3 mutation-positive by inhibiting cancer cell growth and improving survival rates.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Gilteritinib
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Mucositis (inflammation of the mucosa)
- Edema
- Rash
- Non-infectious diarrhoea
- Dyspnea (feeling short of breath)
- Cough
- Constipation
Drug Warnings
Inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking, if you are allergic to any of its ingredients and if you have pre-existing medical conditions. Also, inform your doctor if you have breathing or lung problems, hypokalemia (low blood potassium levels) or hypomagnesemia (low blood magnesium levels), irregular heartbeat, QT prolongation, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), differentiation syndrome, pancreatitis, severe renal impairment, or liver disease. Gilteritinib is not recommended to use during pregnancy as it may harm your unborn baby. Avoid breastfeeding during treatment with Gilteritinib for at least 2 months after the final dose. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Gilteritinib as it could lead to increased dizziness. Do not drive or use machines if you experience dizziness.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Gilteritinib may interact with antifungal agents (Ketoconazole), alkali metal (lithium), antibiotics (Clarithromycin), antiarrhythmic agents (Amiodarone), antimalarial and amoebicidal agents (Chloroquine).
Drug-Food Interactions: Do not consume grapefruit and its juice during treatment with Gilteritinib as it may significantly increase the blood levels of the medicine.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform the doctor if you have breathing or lung problems, irregular heartbeat, QT prolongation, Differentiation syndrome, Pancreatitis, Severe renal impairment, or liver disease.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known if alcohol affects Gilteritinib. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
unsafeGilteritinib is not recommended during pregnancy as it may harm your unborn baby. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor for guidance and advice.
Breast Feeding
unsafeGilteritinib may harm the baby; do not breastfeed during treatment with Gilteritinib for at least 2 months after the final dose.
Driving
cautionGilteritinib may cause dizziness and vertigo. Be cautious while driving or operating machinery.
Liver
consult your doctorIf you have a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before taking Gilteritinib. Your doctor may adjust your dosage or recommend a different medication based on your individual needs and condition.
Kidney
cautionGilteritinib exposure may be increased in patients with severe renal impairment or end-stage renal disease. Therefore, inform your doctor if you have any renal impairment.
Children
unsafeThe safety and effectiveness of Gilteritinib in children below 18 years have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle by following a balanced diet and regular exercise routine to achieve and sustain a suitable weight.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Include vegetables and fruits in your diet.
- Limit or avoid consuming unhealthy foods such as fast food, fried foods, processed meats, refined carbohydrates, and foods with added sugars.
- Drink enough water to stay hydrated.
- Ensure you get enough rest and quality sleep to help your body recover and manage fatigue.
Special Advise
- Avoid consuming alcohol along with Gilteritinib as it could lead to increased dizziness,
- Avoid driving or operating machinery if you feel dizzy.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Acute myeloid leukaemia: Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is fast-progressing cancer that begins in the bone marrow, where it produces abnormal myeloid cells. These cells disrupt the production of healthy blood cells, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, fever, bruising, frequent infections, and bone pain. The causes of AML can be diverse, including genetic mutations, exposure to chemicals like benzene, radiation, and previous chemotherapy treatments. Certain blood disorders and genetic conditions can also increase the risk of developing AML.
FAQs
Gilteritinib is used in the treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).
Gilteritinib contains gilteritinib, which inhibits the activity of the enzyme FLT3 (FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3). This enzyme is crucial for the growth and survival of certain cancer cells. By blocking the activity of FLT3, gilteritinib helps stop the growth and division of cancer cells, leading to their death. This targeted approach makes gilteritinib an effective treatment for AML patients with FLT3 mutations.
If you miss a dose of Gilteritinib, take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take an extra dose to compensate for a missed dose.
Continue taking Gilteritinib even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Gilteritinib without talking to the doctor.
Take Gilteritinib with or without food. Swallow the medicine whole with a full glass of water without crushing or chewing it.
The common side effects of Gilteritinib are fatigue, fever, mucositis (inflammation of the mucosa), edema, rash, non-infectious diarrhoea, dyspnea (feeling short of breath), nausea, cough, constipation, eye disorders, headache, dizziness, vomiting. If these side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
