Key facts about Ponatinib
What dosages is Ponatinib available in?
Ponatinib is available as a 10 mg, 15 mg, 30 mg, and 45 mg oral tablet.
What is Ponatinib used for?
Ponatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor and is used for the following:
- Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)
- Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL)
How does Ponatinib work?
Ponatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). It blocks a certain protein in your body called BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase. This protein is found on cancer cells like CML and ALL and not on normal, healthy cells. It causes the cancer cells to grow and multiply. By blocking this protein, Ponatinib kills cancer cells and stops their spread.
How do I take Ponatinib?
Ponatinib is typically started at 45 mg by mouth once daily. This dose might differ if you have liver problems. During treatment, your dose might change based on how your cancer responds to Ponatinib or if you’re taking certain medications that interact with Ponatinib.
Is it safe for me to take Ponatinib?
Ponatinib is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.
Ponatinib Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Ponatinib:
- Rash
- Joint pain
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- High blood pressure
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Dry skin
- Swelling or fluid buildup
- Fever
- Nausea
- Lower appetite
Ponatinib Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Ponatinib. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Blood clots or reduced blood flow problems: chest pain, trouble breathing, weakness on one side of the body, trouble talking, changes in vision, severe headache, leg pain or swelling
- Severe fluid buildup or heart failure: shortness of breath during rest or exercise, rapid weight gain, swelling in your arms or legs, chest pain, tiredness
- Changes in your heart rhythm: fainting, dizziness, chest pain, fast heartbeat
- Liver damage: right-sided stomach pain, tiredness, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Serious bleeds: bleeding or bruising that doesn’t stop or go away, large amount of bleeding, blood in the urine, throwing up blood, bloody or black and tarry stool
- Abnormal electrolyte levels and kidney problems: racing heart, muscle cramps or spasms, numbness, dark urine, urinating less than usual
- Problems that affect the brain: headaches, vision problems, seizures
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Ponatinib
The following medications may interact with Ponatinib:
- Strong CYP3A Inhibitors: Avoid coadministration or reduce
- Ponatinib dose if coadministration cannot be avoided.
- Strong CYP3A Inducers: Avoid coadministration.
Who makes Ponatinib?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Ponatinib safe in pregnancy?
Ponatinib can harm your unborn baby. Your healthcare provider will do a pregnancy test before you start taking Ponatinib.
If you can become pregnant, use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for 3 weeks after your last dose of Ponatinib. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you might be pregnant during
treatment with Ponatinib. Ponatinib may affect your ability to have children. Tell your healthcare provider if this is a concern for you.
