Why is this medicine prescribed?
Sonrotoclax is used to treat certain types of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL; a fast-growing cancer that begins in the cells of the immune system). Sonrotoclax is in a class of medications called BCL-2 inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of a certain protein in the body that helps cancer cells survive. This helps to kill cancer cells.
How should this medicine be used?
Sonrotoclax comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Take with a meal and a full glass of water once a day. Take sonrotoclax at around the same time every day.
Take sonrotoclax 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 split, chew, or crush them.
If you vomit after taking sonrotoclax, do not take an extra dose. Take the next dose at your usual time.
Your doctor will start you on a low dose of sonrotoclax and gradually increase your dose, twice a week over the first 4 weeks until you reach the target dose. You may have your first dose at a hospital or clinic so you can be monitored for side effects.
Your doctor may need to interrupt or stop your treatment if you experience certain side effects. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with sonrotoclax. For certain side effects, your doctor may tell you to start taking sonrotoclax at a lower dose.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking sonrotoclax,
- 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.
- you should know that some medications should not be taken with sonrotoclax. Other medications may cause dosing changes or extra monitoring when taken with sonrotoclax. Make sure you have discussed any medications you are currently taking or plan to take before starting sonrotoclax with your doctor and pharmacist. Before starting, stopping, or changing any medications while taking sonrotoclax, please get the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
- you should know the following nonprescription or herbal products may interact with sonrotoclax including: St. John's Wort. Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know that you are taking this medication before you start taking sonrotoclax. Do not start any nonprescription or herbal products while taking sonrotoclax without discussing with your healthcare provider.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney problems, gout (a type of arthritis caused by crystals deposited in the joints), or a history of problems with your body salts, electrolytes, or uric acid levels in your blood.
- you should not breastfeed while taking sonrotoclax or for 1 week after your final dose.
- you should know that this medication may decrease fertility. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking sonrotoclax.
- tell your doctor if you or your partner are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You or your partner should not become pregnant while you are taking sonrotoclax. You may have to take a pregnancy test before starting treatment. You and your partner should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy during treatment and for 1 week after your final dose. Talk to your doctor about what birth control would work best for you and your partner. If you or your partner become pregnant while taking sonrotoclax, call your doctor immediately. Sonrotoclax may harm the fetus.
- do not have any vaccinations without talking to your doctor.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice, Seville oranges, or star fruit while taking this medication.
What should I do if I forget to take a dose?
If you miss a dose, and it has been less than 8 hours, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it with a meal. However, if it has been more than 8 hours, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. 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?
Sonrotoclax may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- tiredness
- swelling in the legs ankles or feet
- diarrhea
- constipation
- rash
- muscle pain
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- fever, sore throat, cough, chills, frequent or painful urination, or any other sign of infection
- nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, fatigue, dark urine or reduced urine, flank pain (lower back), heart palpitations, numbness, hallucinations, muscle cramps or spasms, seizures
Sonrotoclax 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 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 sonrotoclax.
Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking sonrotoclax.
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.