Bosutinib
About Bosutinib
Bosutinib is a prescription medication used to treat adults with a specific type of blood cancer called Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML). It is prescribed both for newly diagnosed patients and for those who have not responded to or could not tolerate previous therapies.
For this medication to work effectively, you must take it consistently at the same time every day. You should always take your dose with food, as this significantly increases how well your body absorbs the medicine. Incorporating simple dietary adjustments, like eating bland foods and drinking plenty of fluids, can help support your body during treatment.
While taking Bosutinib, you may experience common side effects like stomach discomfort and mild skin rashes. However, it is vital to contact your healthcare team immediately if you notice serious signs such as severe diarrhoea, yellowing of your eyes or skin, or sudden swelling in your legs.
Do not take this if you have a known severe allergy to any of its ingredients. Before starting treatment, you must discuss your medical history with your doctor, especially if you have pre-existing liver damage, kidney disease, or cardiac complications.
This medicine interacts with several other substances, including certain over-the-counter stomach acid reducers, which can prevent the drug from working properly. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should talk to your doctor immediately, as this medication can harm an unborn baby.
Uses of Bosutinib
Medicinal Benefits
When used as directed as part of your treatment plan, this medicine may provide the following benefits:
- Supports Healthy Blood Cells: The primary benefit of Bosutinib is its ability to target and control leukemia cells, which helps manage the disease and prevent it from progressing to more severe stages. By keeping the growth of abnormal blood cells in check, this treatment helps restore a healthier balance of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in your body.
- Supports Better Quality of Life: For many patients, successfully controlling the leukemia leads to a noticeable reduction in disease-related symptoms, such as severe fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and bone pain. This physical relief allows patients to maintain better energy levels and continue their daily routines with greater comfort.
Directions for Use
- Bosutinib should be taken with meals.
- Recommended to take once daily; however, follow your doctor’s advice regarding the dosage and duration.
- Swallow Bosutinib as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Storage
Side Effects of Bosutinib
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Mild to moderate diarrhea
- Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain
- Feeling unusually tired or weak
- Mild skin rash or itching
- Low grade fever
- Decreased appetite
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away):
- Signs of liver damage, such as yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, dark urine, or severe pain on the right side of your stomach
- Severe, watery, or persistent diarrhoea accompanied by stomach cramps
- Sudden weight gain or swelling in your hands, ankles, feet, or face (fluid retention)
- Signs of infection, including a high fever, severe chills, sore throat, or cough
- Unusual bleeding, easy bruising, or tiny red spots on your skin
- Shortness of breath, chest pain, or a dry cough
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Check Tablet Before Use: Inspect each tablet before taking it; do not use any tablet that is broken, chipped, or cracked.
- Safe Tablet Handling: Caregivers should wear disposable gloves if they must handle these tablets, and pregnant individuals should avoid handling them entirely.
- Avoid Acid-Reducing Medicines: Avoid taking antacids, H2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) close to your dose, as they lower stomach acid and reduce how well the medicine is absorbed.
- Use Effective Birth Control: Use highly effective birth control during treatment and for at least 2 weeks after your very last dose to prevent pregnancy.
- Attend Regular Blood Tests: Keep all appointments for your scheduled blood tests, as your doctor must regularly check your liver function and blood cell counts.
- Avoid Driving if Dizzy: Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or severely fatigued.
Drug Interactions
- Avoid Acid-Reducing Medicines: Some medicines can affect how your liver breaks down Bosutinib, changing the amount of medicine in your body. For example, certain antifungal medicines (such as ketoconazole), some antibiotics (such as clarithromycin), and other medicines that slow down this process can increase Bosutinib levels and raise the risk of side effects. On the other hand, medicines such as rifampin or the herbal supplement St. John's wort can make your body break down Bosutinib faster, making it less effective. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid alcohol consumption while on treatment with Bosutinib to prevent serious adverse effects.
Pregnancy
unsafeBosutinib is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may harm your fetus. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before taking Bosutinib. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionLimited data is available on the effect of Bosutinib on breastfeeding. Bosutinib should be avoided during breastfeeding. Hence, inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor may prescribe an alternative based on the symptoms and health condition.
Driving
unsafeBosutinib may cause dizziness and may make you feel drowsy. Hence, avoid driving or operating machines after taking Bosutinib or until you become alert.
Liver
cautionBosutinib is known to cause hepatotoxicity. Hence, inform your doctor if you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease. A dose adjustment may be needed based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before taking Bosutinib. Your doctor may reduce the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
unsafeBosutinib is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid grapefruit products: Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking this medication, as it can dangerously increase the levels of the drug in your blood.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you experience diarrhoea, to prevent dehydration and support kidney function.
- Eat small, frequent meals: If you struggle with nausea or loss of appetite, eating smaller, bland portions throughout the day may be easier to tolerate than three large meals.
- Prioritise food safety: Because your immune system may be weakened, wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and avoid eating raw or undercooked meats, seafood, or eggs.
- Protect your skin: Use a gentle, unscented moisturiser to manage dry skin, and wear sunscreen when outdoors, as your skin may be more sensitive during treatment.
Special Advise
- Bosutinib should be administered only by a trained and experienced oncologist.
- A blood test should be performed such as LFT and RFT, to check for liver/kidney function.
- Weekly blood tests should be done during the treatment to check for CBC (Complete blood count).
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) chronic myeloid leukemia: Leukemia, also known as blood cancer, is a cancer of blood cells or blood-forming tissues. It causes excessive production of immature white blood cells by the bone marrow and reduces the body’s ability to fight infections. Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that originates in the myeloid cells or stem cells in your bone marrow. Ph+ chronic myeloid leukemia is a common form of CML that occurs when specific chromosomes swap position. This causes a chromosome abnormality, creating the Philadelphia chromosome. The abnormal chromosomes produce an abnormal protein called Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase, which then triggers a signal to produce abnormal white blood cells in the bone marrow. Symptoms may include fatigue, fever, weight loss, and loss of appetite.
FAQs
Bosutinib is used to treat Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia and Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Bosutinib contains Bosutinib, which works by inhibiting the action of abnormal proteins that cause the multiplication of cancerous cells.
Bosutinib is known to cause embryo-fetal toxicity; hence, it is contraindicated for use in pregnancy. A woman needs to have a negative pregnancy test before starting treatment with this medicine. It is better to use effective birth control methods to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine or at least six months after completion of the treatment.
You should call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms such as severe dizziness or fainting, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, persistent nausea or vomiting, severe stomach pain or cramps, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe skin rash or itching and signs of an allergic reaction (such as swelling of the face, lips, or tongue).
Regular scans will determine whether your tumour is responding to the treatment. Your doctor will decide when those scans should be done. Until your doctor advises you to stop taking Bosutinib, continue taking it.
Bosutinib increases the risk of bleeding or infection since it reduces the number of platelets and white blood cells in your blood. In order to prevent, avoid people who have infections. Check with your doctor immediately if you think you may be getting an infection, or if you get fever, chills, cough.
Yes, Bosutinib can affect your lungs. One of the potential side effects is pulmonary toxicity, which can lead to symptoms such as severe shortness of breath, dry cough, dizziness, and extreme tiredness. If you experience any of these symptoms, please consult your doctor immediately.
Bosutinib does not cause hair loss. However, if you notice hair loss while taking Bosutinib, please consult your doctor.
Avoid sitting or standing in one position for too long. Change your posture frequently to relieve pressure on nerves Regular exercise can improve circulation and reduce the risk of nerve compression and ensure your diet includes essential vitamins and minerals, especially B vitamins, which are crucial for nerve health. However, consult your doctor for proper guidance.
Changes in your skin such as rashes, dryness, or itching can be a side effect of Bosutinib. Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. Stay away from harsh soaps, detergents, and other potential skin irritants. If the skin changes are severe or persistent, please consult your doctor.
To relieve constipation during treatment with Bosutinib, you can include more fibre-rich foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Drink plenty of water. Engage in regular physical activity to help stimulate bowel movements. However, if it persists, please consult your doctor.
Yes, nausea and extreme tiredness are known side effects of Bosutinib. Take some rest and avoid certain foods such as salty, spicy, fried, or fatty foods that can aggravate nausea and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Eat and drink often in small amounts. These side effects can occur as your body adjusts to Bosutinib. However, if they become severe or persistent, please consult your doctor.
Changes in taste, such as a metallic taste or loss of taste, are common side effects of Bosutinib. To overcome this side effect, rinse your mouth with a solution of salt and bicarbonate of soda before meals to neutralize bad tastes, use extra seasonings, herbs, and spices to enhance the flavour of your food. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to help cleanse your palate. However, if this side effect persists please consult your doctor.
The common side effects of Bosutinib are rash, fatigue, headache, back pain, decreased platelet count, back pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and dizziness. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
No. You must always take this medication with food. Taking it with a meal helps your body absorb the drug properly so that it can work effectively against the leukemia cells. If you have trouble eating, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Diarrhoea is a common side effect, but severe diarrhoea can lead to dangerous dehydration. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience persistent or watery diarrhea. They may prescribe an antidiarrheal medicine or adjust your treatment. Talk to your doctor before taking any over-the-counter anti-diarrheal remedies.
You should avoid proton pump inhibitors (like omeprazole) completely. For short-term relief, you may use local antacids, but you must space them out by taking them at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after your dose. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for a safe acid-reduction plan.
You will need frequent blood tests, especially during the first few months of treatment. These tests allow your doctor to monitor your liver health, kidney function, and blood cell counts. Your doctor will tell you exactly how often you need to have your blood drawn.
It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol during your treatment. Both alcohol and this medication are processed by the liver, and combining them can increase your risk of developing liver damage. Talk to your doctor about what is safe for you.
Do not take a broken or chipped tablet. Because this is a specialised medication, direct contact with the active powder should be avoided. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water if you accidentally touch a damaged tablet, and contact your pharmacist for disposal instructions.
Treatment is typically long-term, continuing as long as the medication successfully controls your leukemia and you do not experience intolerable side effects. Your oncologist will regularly review your progress and decide how long you should continue. Talk to your doctor for personalised guidance.
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