Gilteritinib

Gilteritinib is a prescription medication used to treat adults with a specific type of blood and bone marrow cancer called acute myeloid leukemia. This medicine is also available under the brand name Xospata. Depending on your prescription or pharmacy, you may see either the brand name or the generic name (gilteritinib) on the medicine label. It is specifically prescribed when the cancer cells have a unique genetic change known as a FLT3 mutation. This medicine is typically used when the cancer has returned or has not improved after previous treatments. Before starting treatment, your doctor will confirm that your leukemia has a FLT3 mutation using a validated laboratory test. This medicine is only effective for AML with this specific genetic change, so testing is an essential step before treatment begins.

To get the best results, you must take this medicine exactly once every day at the same time. You can take it either with food or on an empty stomach, but keeping a consistent routine is key. Making healthy adjustments to your daily routine, such as staying well-hydrated and eating balanced meals, can also support your body during treatment.

While taking this medicine, you may experience common side effects like tiredness, joint pain, or mild nausea. However, it is vital to contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience serious symptoms like extreme shortness of breath, sudden weight gain, severe headaches, or unusual rhythm changes in your heart.

Before you begin treatment, tell your doctor if you have a history of heart rhythm problems, liver issues, or kidney disease. Do not take this if you are pregnant, as this medication can harm an unborn baby. Women who can get pregnant must use effective birth control during treatment and for several months afterwards. This medicine may also affect male fertility. If you plan to have children in the future, talk to your doctor about fertility preservation options, such as sperm banking, before starting treatment.

Some medicines can interfere with how this drug works, so it is important to share a complete list of your current prescriptions with your pharmacist. Avoid drinking alcohol or smoking while on this treatment, as they can put extra stress on your liver and heart. If you are breastfeeding or are an older adult, talk to your doctor about the specific precautions you need to take.

• Targeted Cancer Cell Control & Improved Quality of Life: This medication offers targeted relief by focusing directly on mutated cancer cells rather than all fast-growing cells in the body. By blocking the abnormal proteins that feed the leukemia, it helps stop the disease from spreading. This can lead to a significant reduction in cancer cells in your blood and bone marrow, helping you work toward remission. Over time, managing the cancer effectively can help you regain your physical strength, reduce severe fatigue, and improve your overall quality of life. For some eligible patients, this treatment may also help control the leukemia while they are being prepared for an allogeneic stem cell transplant. Your doctor will discuss whether this is an appropriate treatment goal based on your individual condition. 

• Gilteritinib can be taken with or without food.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safe and effective use.
• Swallow Gilteritinib as a whole with a glass of water.
• Do not crush, chew or break it.

Common Side Effects (Usually mild):

• Feeling extremely tired or weak
• Muscle, joint, or bone pain
• Nausea, diarrhea, or constipation
• Sores or pain inside your mouth and throat
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away):

• Fever, cough, trouble breathing, or rapid weight gain (signs of a serious blood cell reaction called differentiation syndrome)
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or a fast, fluttering, or irregular heartbeat
• Severe headache, confusion, seizures, or sudden changes in your vision, as these may be signs of a rare but serious brain condition called posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES)
• Severe stomach pain that spreads to your back, accompanied by nausea or vomiting