BOSULIF (Bosutinib)

What is this medication?

BOSULIF (Bosutinib)
Antineoplastic Agent, BCR-ABL Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor

BOSULIF (Bosutinib) is a kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adult patients with chronic, accelerated, or blast phase Ph+ chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) with resistance or intolerance to prior therapy.

How does this medication work? 

BOSULIF (Bosutinib) is a BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor that promotes CML, and also inhibits SRC family (including SRC, LYN, and HCK). Bosutinib has minimal activity against c-KIT and platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), which are nonspecific targets associated with toxicity in other TKIs. Bosutinib has activity in 16 of 18 imatinib-resistant BCR-ABL mutations, with the exceptions of the T315I and V299L mutants.

How should I take this medication? 

Newly-diagnosed chronic phase:
Oral: Take 400 mg once daily.

Resistant or intolerant to prior therapy:
Oral: Take 500 mg once daily.

How to Take: Take with food. Swallow tablet whole, do not cut, crush or break.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Before starting BOSULIF (Bosutinib), make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take, if you are pregnant, or breastfeeding. Bosutinib use has been associated with rare but serious adverse events such as bone marrow suppression, fluid retention/edema, GI toxicity, hepatotoxicity, hypersensitivity, pancreatitis, QT prolongation, and renal toxicity which require careful monitoring.  Monitoring complete blood count and liver enzymes regularly is necessary.  Withhold, dose reduce, or discontinue BOSULIF if you  experience myelosuppression, hepatotoxicity, and gastrointestinal toxicity.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of medication, try to take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, take only that scheduled dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

How should I store this medication?

Keep out of the reach of children at all times. Store at room temperature, 59 to 86° F (15 to 30° C). Protect from light. Keep the container tightly closed.  Properly dispose of any unused medication after the expiration date.

What are the possible side effects of using this medication? 

Chest pain, edema, pruritus, skin rash, hypokalemia, hypophosphatemia, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, diarrhea, increased serum lipase, nausea, vomiting, anemia, leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, increased serum alanine aminotransferase, increased serum aspartate aminotransferase, dizziness, fatigue, headache, arthralgia, asthenia, back pain, cough, dyspnea, nasopharyngitis, pleural effusion, respiratory tract infection, fever.

Note this is not a complete list of side effects for BOSULIF (Bosutinib), only common ones.