How to take gilteritinib correctly?

How to take gilteritinib correctly?

The recommended dose of gilteritinib is 120 mg once daily, which corresponds to three 40 mg film‑coated tablets. You should take the medication at the same time each day to maintain stable blood levels. Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water; do not break, crush, or chew them. Gilteritinib can be taken with or without food, depending on your preference. Follow your doctor's prescription exactly; do not adjust the dose or stop treatment on your own. If you forget to take your dose at the usual time, take the missed dose as soon as you remember on that same day, then take the next dose at the regular time the following day. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you vomit after taking the medication, ask your doctor whether you need to take another dose. Unless your doctor explicitly tells you to stop, do not discontinue treatment prematurely, as the therapeutic effect may take time to appear.

What are the common side effects?

Gilteritinib may cause various side effects, though not everyone experiences them. Very common side effects (occurring in more than 10% of patients) include: diarrhea, nausea, constipation, fatigue, edema due to fluid retention (especially in the arms or legs), lack of energy and feeling of weakness (asthenia), cough, shortness of breath (dyspnea), dizziness, low blood pressure, as well as joint pain, muscle pain, and pain in the arms or legs. Blood tests may show elevated creatine phosphokinase and liver enzyme levels. Common side effects (occurring in 1% to 10% of patients) include: fluid accumulation around the heart (pericardial effusion, which in severe cases may affect the heart's pumping ability), general malaise, severe allergic reactions (such as swelling of the mouth and throat, itching, hives), muscle stiffness, decreased urination with leg swelling (suggesting acute kidney injury), heart inflammation (pericarditis), and heart failure. Seek medical attention promptly if you experience any severe or persistent side effects.

How to store the medication?

Keep gilteritinib out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use the medicine after the expiry date (EXP) printed on the carton and blister card; the expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Store the medicine in the original package to protect it from light. Do not dispose of unused or expired medication by pouring it down the drain, toilet, or into household trash. Ask your pharmacist about proper disposal methods to protect the environment. Each carton of gilteritinib typically contains 84 film‑coated tablets.