JAKAFI (Ruxolitinib)

What is this medication?

JAKAFI (Ruxolitinib)
Antineoplastic Agent; Janus Associated Kinase Inhibitor; Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor

JAKAFI (Ruxolitinib) is indicated for treatment of acute graft-versus-host disease, myelofibrosis, polycythemia vera.

How does this medication work? 

Ruxolitinib is a kinase inhibitor which is selective for Janus Associated Kinases (JAKs), JAK1 and JAK2 which mediate signaling of cytokine and growth factors responsible for hematopoiesis and immune function.

How should I take this medication? 

Oral: The recommended starting dose is based on platelet count. A complete blood count and platelet count must be performed before initiating therapy, every 2 to 4 weeks until doses are stabilized.

The starting dose should not be increased within the first four weeks of treatment and thereafter no more frequently than at 2-week intervals.

How to Take: May be administered orally with or without food. Patients should be instructed to swallow the tablet whole. The tablets should NOT be cut, broken, dissolved, crushed or chewed.

What should I watch for while using this medication? 

Before starting make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take, if you have liver disease, or kidney disease.  Has been associated with rare but serious adverse events such as hematologic toxicity, infections, lipid abnormalities, and non melanoma skin cancer.

What if I miss a dose?

If a dose is missed, do not take an additional dose. Instead, only take the next usual prescribed dose. 

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?

Bruising, increased cholesterol, hypertriglyceridemia, diarrhea, anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, increased liver enzymes, dizziness, headache, insomnia, muscle spasm, dyspnea.

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