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Pacritinib Oral Capsules

What is this medication?

PACRITINIB (pak ri ti nib) treats myelofibrosis. It works by targeting proteins in cells to stops them from growing. It belongs to a group of medications called kinase inhibitors.

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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): VONJO

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • bleeding disorder
  • blood clots
  • cancer
  • diarrhea
  • having surgery
  • heart attack
  • heart disease
  • infection
  • kidney disease
  • liver disease
  • nausea
  • smoke tobacco cigarettes
  • stroke
  • vomiting
  • an unusual or allergic reaction to pacritinib, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not cut, crush or chew this medicine. Swallow the capsules whole. You can take it with or without food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, skip it. Take your next dose at the normal time. Do not take extra or 2 doses at the same time to make up for the missed dose.

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What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

  • antiviral medications for HIV or AIDS
  • certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin
  • certain medications for fungal infections like ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole
  • certain medications for seizures such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone
  • cisapride
  • conivaptan
  • enzalutamide
  • idelalisib
  • mifepristone, RU-486
  • nefazodone
  • pimozide
  • rifampin
  • St. John's wort
  • thioridazine

This medication may also interact with the following:

  • other medicines that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm)

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. It may be some time before you see the benefit from this medication.

This medication may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your care team if you notice any unusual bleeding.

This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

If you are going to need surgery or other procedure, tell your care team that you are using this medication.

You may need blood work while you are taking this medication.

Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancer if you take this medication.

This medication may make it more difficult to father a child. Talk to your care team if you are concerned about your fertility.

Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medication or for 2 weeks after stopping it.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions (skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue)
  • bleeding (bloody or black, tarry stools, red or dark brown urine, spitting up blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red spots on the skin, unusual bruising or bleeding from the eyes, gums, or nose)
  • blood clot (chest pain, shortness of breath, pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg)
  • diarrhea
  • heart attack (trouble breathing, pain or tightness in the chest, neck, back or arms, unusually weak or tired)
  • heartbeat rhythm changes (trouble breathing, chest pain, dizziness, fast, irregular heartbeat, feeling faint or lightheaded, falls)
  • infection (fever, chills, cough, sore throat, pain or trouble passing urine)
  • nausea
  • stroke (changes in vision, confusion, trouble speaking or understanding, severe headaches, sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination)
  • vomiting

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Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • swelling of the ankles, feet, hands

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Keep this medication in the original packaging. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect from light. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

  • Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
  • If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your health care provider. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

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NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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