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Pacritinib Capsules

What is this medication?

PACRITINIB (pak ri ti nib) treats bone marrow cancer. It works by blocking a protein that causes cancer cells to grow and multiply. This helps to slow or stop the spread of cancer cells.

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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
  • Stroke
  • Tobacco use
  • 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 medication. Swallow the capsules whole. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with 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:

  • Adagrasib
  • Apalutamide
  • Ceritinib
  • Certain antiviral medications for HIV, hepatitis, or other infections
  • Certain medications for fungal infections, such as fluconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole
  • Certain medications for seizures, such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone
  • Chloramphenicol
  • Cisapride
  • Clarithromycin
  • Crizotinib
  • Dronedarone
  • Encorafenib
  • Enzalutamide
  • Fezolinetant
  • Grapefruit
  • Idelalisib
  • Levoketoconazole
  • Lonafarnib
  • Lumacaftor; ivacaftor
  • Mifepristone
  • Mitotane
  • Nefazodone
  • Pimozide
  • Ribociclib
  • Rifampin
  • Rifapentine
  • St. John's wort
  • Thioridazine
  • Tucatinib

This medication may also interact with the following:

  • Estrogen and progestin hormones
  • Other medications that cause heart rhythm changes

This medication may affect how other medications work, and other medications may affect the way this medication works. Talk with your care team about all the medications you take. They may suggest changes to your treatment plan to lower the risk of side effects and to make sure your medications work as intended.

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. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even if you have side effects unless your care team tells you to stop.

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

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.

Avoid taking medications that contain aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless instructed by your care team. These medications may hide a fever.

Be careful brushing or flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this medication.

If you are going to need surgery or a procedure, tell your care team that you are using this medication. You may need to stop taking this medication before the procedure.

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.

Estrogen and progestin hormones may not work as well while you are taking this medication. Your care team can help you find the contraceptive option that works for you.

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Do not breastfeed while taking this medication and for 2 weeks after the last dose.

This medication may cause infertility. Talk to your care team if you are concerned about your fertility.

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, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on skin, unusual bruising or bleeding
  • Blood clot—pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
  • Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
  • Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
  • Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
  • Severe or prolonged diarrhea
  • Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding

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

  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet

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 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 care team. 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.

Copyright ©2025 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Terms of use.

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

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