Why is this medicine prescribed?
Rilzabrutinib is used to treat immune thrombocytopenia (ITP; an ongoing condition that may cause unusual bruising or bleeding due to an abnormally low number of platelets in the blood). Rilzabrutinib is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by reducing platelet destruction.
Are there other uses for this medicine?
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used?
Rilzabrutinib comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Take twice a day with a whole glass of water. Take rilzabrutinib with or without food; taking with food may decrease GI symptoms (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain). Take Rilzabrutinib at around the same time(s) every day.
Take rilzabrutinib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the tablets whole; do not cut, chew, or crush them.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking rilzabrutinib,
- tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this medication, any part of this medication, or any other medications, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
- some medications should not be taken with rilzabrutinib. Other medications may cause dosing changes or extra monitoring when taken with rilzabrutinib. Make sure you have discussed any medications you are currently taking or plan to take before starting rilzabrutinib with your doctor and pharmacist. Before starting, stopping, or changing any medications while taking rilzabrutinib, please get the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
- if you are taking antacids, cimetidine, or famotidine, take rilzabrutinib at least 2 hours before these medications.
- the following nonprescription products may interact with rilzabrutinib: esomeprazole, lansoprazole, and omeprazole. Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know that you are taking these medications before you start taking rilzabrutinib. Do not start any of these medications while taking rilzabrutinib without discussing with your healthcare provider.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease.
- you may be required to have a pregnancy test prior to starting rilzabrutinib. You should use birth control during and for at least 1 week after the final dose. Talk to your doctor about what birth control is right for you.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Do not eat the fruit or products (such as juice) made from grapefruit, starfruit, or Seville oranges while taking this medication.
What should I do if I forget to take a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it on the same day and at least 2 hours before the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What should I do in case of overdose?
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help . If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
What side effects can this medicine cause?
Rilzabrutinib may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain
- headache
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- cough, fever, chills, sore throat, pain or burning while urinating, or other signs of an infection
- yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, lower abdominal pain
Rilzabrutinib may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch ) or by phone ( 1-800-332-1088).What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from light, excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. https://www.upandaway.org Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to rilzabrutinib.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.