Jakavi (ruxolitinib phosphate)

Indications

Jakavi is an oral medication used to treat a type of blood cancer called myelofibrosis, as well as a condition called polycythemia vera, which is a blood disorder characterized by an excess of red blood cells.

Jakavi is a brand name for the drug ruxolitinib. Ruxolitinib is classified as a JAK inhibitor, which means it works by blocking certain enzymes called Janus kinases, which are involved in the growth and production of blood cells. By blocking these enzymes, it can help to reduce symptoms of both myelofibrosis and polycythemia vera.

Use and Dosage

Jakavi comes in tablet form and is typically taken twice a day, at the same time each day. Jakavi tablets are to be taken by mouth, either with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if there is anything you do not understand. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Jakavi is an oral drug that comes in tablet form and is typically taken twice a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose depending on how you respond to treatment and results from your blood, liver, and kidney tests. If you notice you are feeling unwell while taking Jakavi, your doctor might change the amount of Jakavi you take or tell you to stop taking Jakavi for a while. Your doctor may also need to know if you are taking any other medicines.

If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take the next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking it as you would normally. Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects of Jakavi (Ruxolitinib Phosphate):

• Anemia
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Easy bruising
• Gas
• Headache
• Muscle or bone pain
• Nausea
• Rash
• Swelling of the arms, legs, or other parts of the body
• Weight gain

Serious Side Effects of Jakavi (Ruxolitinib Phosphate):

• Blisters or painful skin rash
• Changes in the size shape or color of a mole or skin lesion
• Chills
• Cold hands and feet
• Cough
• Difficulty breathing
• Easy bruising
• Feeling very tired
• Fever
• General ill feeling
• Hives
• Lightheadedness
• Loss of appetite
• Mouth sores
• Nausea
• Night sweats
• Pain or burning when you urinate
• Pale skin
• Problems with speech thought vision or muscle movement
• Shortness of breath
• Skin sores
• Swelling of your face lips tongue or throat
• Tiredness
• Unusual bleeding
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Weight loss

Forms and Strength

Jakavi (Ruxolitinib Phosphate) is available in the following forms and strength:

Jakavi: Tablet

• 5mg
• 10mg
• 15mg
• 20mg

Cautions

• Hepatotoxicity: potential liver toxicity, which may lead to abnormal liver function tests, liver failure, or death
• Worsening of pre-existing viral hepatitis: treatment with Jakavi may reactivate viral infections such as hepatitis B, leading to liver damage or death.
• Non-melanoma skin cancer: increased risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancer may occur with long-term use of Jakavi.
• Cardiovascular events: higher rates of cardiovascular events (e.g., heart attack, stroke) have been reported in patients taking Jakavi.
• Reactivation of tuberculosis: Jakavi may reactivate tuberculosis, an infectious disease that affects the lungs and other organs.
• Herpes zoster infections: there have been reports of herpes zoster (shingles) infections in patients taking Jakavi.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: it is not known if Jakavi can harm a developing fetus or pass into breast milk, so caution is advised in pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• Drug interactions: Jakavi may interact with other drugs, including strong CYP3A4 inhibitors and inducers, which can affect the metabolism and clearance of Jakavi from the body.
• Renal impairment: caution is advised in patients with severe renal impairment or end-stage renal disease, as the safety and efficacy of Jakavi have not been established in these populations.
• Glucocorticoid withdrawal syndrome: in patients with myelofibrosis receiving Jakavi, there have been reports of glucocorticoid withdrawal syndrome upon discontinuation of concomitant glucocorticoids.
• Immunization: patients should avoid receiving live vaccines while taking Jakavi, as immunosuppression may increase the risk of infection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What should I do if I miss a dose of Jakavi?

If you miss a dose of Jakavi, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How long does it take for Jakavi to start working?

Jakavi may start to improve symptoms within a few weeks of starting treatment, but it may take several months for the full effects to be seen.

How long can you take Jakavi for?

The length of treatment with Jakavi will depend on the patient's individual condition and response to treatment. Patients may be able to take Jakavi for an extended period, if it continues to be effective, and the benefits outweigh any risks or side effects.

Is Jakavi a chemotherapy drug?

Jakavi is not a chemotherapy drug, but it is a targeted therapy that works by blocking certain enzymes involved in the growth of blood cells.

Can Jakavi cure myelofibrosis?

Jakavi is not a cure for myelofibrosis, but it may help to control symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

Can Jakavi be used in children?

Jakavi is not currently approved for use in children. It is only approved for use in adults with myelofibrosis.

Resources

• https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/202192lbl.pdf
• https://www.rxlist.com/jakafi-drug.htm
• https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-182354/ruxolitinib-topical/details
• https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a612006.html
• https://www.novartis.com/sg-en/sites/novartis_sg/files/Jakavi-Oct.SIN2020v1-app070622-pdf.pdf
• https://www.news-medical.net/drugs/Jakavi.aspx