Bosutinib
BCR-ABL Positive Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia
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Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
Definite
Pharmaceutical Class
Kinase Inhibitor
Controlled Drug Substance
No
bosutinib
Summary
Bosutinib is used to treat certain types of leukemia, which is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. It helps control the disease when other treatments haven't worked or aren't suitable.
Bosutinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which means it blocks specific proteins that cancer cells need to grow. This action helps slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.
The usual starting dose of Bosutinib for adults is 400 mg once daily with food. Your doctor may adjust your dose based on your response and any side effects.
Common side effects of Bosutinib include diarrhea, nausea, and fatigue, which is a feeling of tiredness or lack of energy. These effects are usually mild to moderate.
Bosutinib can cause liver problems, so regular liver function tests are needed. It's not recommended for people with severe liver issues or during pregnancy.
Indications and Purpose
How does Bosutinib work?
Bosutinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which means it blocks specific proteins that cancer cells need to grow. Think of it like turning off a switch that cancer cells use to multiply. By blocking these proteins, Bosutinib helps slow or stop the growth of cancer cells, improving health outcomes for people with certain types of leukemia.
Is Bosutinib effective?
Bosutinib is effective in treating certain types of leukemia, which is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. It works by blocking specific proteins that cancer cells need to grow. Clinical studies show Bosutinib can help control the disease and improve health outcomes. Your doctor will monitor your response to the medication through regular check-ups and tests.
What is Bosutinib?
Bosutinib is a medication used to treat certain types of leukemia, which is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. It belongs to a class of drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors, which work by blocking specific proteins that cancer cells need to grow. Bosutinib is used to help control the disease and improve health outcomes.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take Bosutinib?
Bosutinib is usually a long-term medication for managing certain types of leukemia. You'll typically take Bosutinib every day as a lifelong treatment unless your doctor suggests otherwise. Stopping this medication without medical advice could cause your condition to worsen. Always talk with your doctor before changing or stopping your Bosutinib treatment.
How do I dispose of Bosutinib?
If you can, bring unused Bosutinib to a drug take-back program or collection site at a pharmacy or hospital. They will dispose of this medicine properly so it doesn't harm people or the environment. If you can't find a take-back program, you can throw most medicines in the trash at home. But first, take them out of their original containers, mix them with something undesirable like used coffee grounds, seal the mixture in a plastic bag, and throw it away.
How do I take Bosutinib?
Take Bosutinib once daily with food to help your body absorb it better. Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush or chew it. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it's almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions.
How long does it take for Bosutinib to start working?
Bosutinib begins working in your body shortly after you take it, but you may not notice all the benefits right away. For leukemia, you might see some improvement in blood test results within weeks, but more significant changes typically take several months. How quickly the medication works can depend on your overall health and response to treatment.
How should I store Bosutinib?
Store Bosutinib at room temperature, away from moisture and light. Keep it in a tightly closed container. Don't store it in humid places like bathrooms, as moisture can affect the medication. Always store Bosutinib out of children's reach to prevent accidental swallowing. Check the expiration date regularly and properly dispose of any unused or expired medication.
What is the usual dose of Bosutinib?
The usual starting dose of Bosutinib for adults is 400 mg once daily with food. Your doctor may adjust your dose based on your response and any side effects. The maximum recommended dose is 600 mg daily. Always follow your doctor's specific dosing instructions for your personal health needs.
Warnings and Precautions
Can Bosutinib be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Bosutinib is not recommended while breastfeeding. We don't have much information about whether this medication passes into human breast milk. However, it might pose risks to a breastfed baby. If you're taking Bosutinib and want to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about safer medication options that would allow you to nurse your baby safely.
Can Bosutinib be taken safely while pregnant?
Bosutinib isn't recommended during pregnancy. It can harm an unborn baby. We don't have much information about Bosutinib use in pregnant women, but animal studies show potential risks. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about the safest way to manage your condition. Your doctor can help create a pregnancy-specific treatment plan.
Can I take Bosutinib with other prescription drugs?
Bosutinib can interact with certain medications, increasing the risk of side effects or reducing its effectiveness. For example, it can interact with strong CYP3A inhibitors like ketoconazole, increasing Bosutinib levels in the blood. Always inform your doctor about all the medications you take to prevent interactions and ensure your treatment is safe and effective.
Does Bosutinib have adverse effects?
Adverse effects are unwanted reactions to a medication. Common adverse effects of Bosutinib include diarrhea, nausea, and low blood cell counts. Serious effects can include liver problems and heart issues. If you notice any new or worsening symptoms, contact your doctor. They can help determine if these are related to Bosutinib and suggest appropriate actions.
Does Bosutinib have any safety warnings?
Yes, Bosutinib has important safety warnings. It can cause liver problems, so regular liver function tests are needed. It may also cause diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration. If you experience severe diarrhea, contact your doctor. Bosutinib can lower blood cell counts, increasing infection risk. Report any signs of infection, like fever or sore throat, to your doctor immediately.
Is Bosutinib addictive?
Bosutinib is not addictive or habit-forming. This medication doesn't cause dependency or withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it. It works by targeting specific proteins in cancer cells, not affecting brain chemistry in ways that could lead to addiction. You won't experience cravings for this medication or feel compelled to take more than prescribed.
Is Bosutinib safe for the elderly?
Elderly patients may be more vulnerable to the side effects of Bosutinib, such as low blood cell counts and liver problems. They may also have other health conditions that require careful monitoring. Bosutinib can be used safely in the elderly with regular check-ups and dose adjustments as needed. Always consult your doctor about your specific health situation.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Bosutinib?
It's best to avoid alcohol while taking Bosutinib. Alcohol can increase the risk of liver problems, which Bosutinib can also cause. Drinking alcohol may worsen side effects like nausea or dizziness. If you do choose to drink occasionally, limit how much alcohol you consume and watch for warning signs. Talk with your doctor about alcohol use while taking Bosutinib.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Bosutinib?
You can exercise while taking Bosutinib, but keep a few things in mind. This medication can cause fatigue and dizziness, which might affect your exercise capacity. To exercise safely, listen to your body and rest if you feel tired or dizzy. Most people can maintain their regular exercise routine while taking Bosutinib, but check with your doctor if you have concerns.
Is it safe to stop Bosutinib?
Stopping Bosutinib suddenly can affect your treatment. It's used for long-term management of certain cancers. Stopping without medical advice could cause your condition to worsen. Always talk with your doctor before stopping Bosutinib. They might suggest gradually reducing your dose or switching to a different medication to keep your condition under control.
What are the most common side effects of Bosutinib?
Side effects are unwanted reactions that can happen when taking a medication. Common side effects of Bosutinib include diarrhea, nausea, and fatigue. These effects vary from person to person. If you notice new symptoms after starting Bosutinib, they might be temporary or unrelated to the medication. Talk with your doctor before stopping any medication.
Who should avoid taking Bosutinib?
Don't take Bosutinib if you're allergic to it or its ingredients. It's not recommended for people with severe liver problems, as it can worsen liver function. Caution is needed if you have heart issues or low blood cell counts. Always consult your doctor about these concerns before starting Bosutinib.
