Pacritinib
Primary Myelofibrosis
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Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
No
Pharmaceutical Class
Kinase Inhibitor
Controlled Drug Substance
No
Pacritinib
Summary
Pacritinib is used to treat certain types of myelofibrosis, a cancer of the bone marrow. It is particularly beneficial for patients with low platelet counts.
Pacritinib is a kinase inhibitor. It blocks abnormal proteins that signal cancer cells to multiply, helping to stop or slow the spread of cancer cells.
The recommended dosage of Pacritinib for adults is 200 mg, taken orally twice daily. It can be taken with or without food.
Common side effects of Pacritinib include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Serious side effects can include severe bleeding, thrombocytopenia, and prolonged QT interval.
Pacritinib can cause serious bleeding, diarrhea, thrombocytopenia, and prolonged QT interval. It should not be taken with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers. Patients with active bleeding or those undergoing surgery should avoid it.
Indications and Purpose
How does Pacritinib work?
Pacritinib is a kinase inhibitor that targets abnormal proteins involved in signaling cancer cells to multiply. By blocking these proteins, Pacritinib helps stop or slow the spread of cancer cells, particularly in myelofibrosis, a condition where the bone marrow is replaced by scar tissue.
Is Pacritinib effective?
Pacritinib's effectiveness was established in the PERSIST-2 trial, which included patients with intermediate or high-risk primary or secondary myelofibrosis. The trial showed that Pacritinib led to a significant reduction in spleen volume in patients with a platelet count below 50 × 10⁹/L. This evidence supports its use in treating myelofibrosis in adults with low platelet counts.
What is Pacritinib?
Pacritinib is used to treat adults with certain types of myelofibrosis, a cancer of the bone marrow. It belongs to a class of medications called kinase inhibitors, which work by blocking the action of abnormal proteins that signal cancer cells to multiply. This helps stop or slow the spread of cancer cells.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take Pacritinib?
The duration of use for Pacritinib is not specified in the provided content. Treatment duration may vary based on individual response and medical condition. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions regarding the length of treatment.
How do I take Pacritinib?
Pacritinib should be taken orally, 200 mg twice daily, with or without food. Swallow the capsules whole without opening, breaking, or chewing them. There are no specific food restrictions mentioned, but it is advised to talk to your doctor about eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medication.
How should I store Pacritinib?
Pacritinib should be stored at room temperature, below 30°C (86°F). Keep the medication in its original container, tightly closed, and protect it from light. Ensure it is out of reach of children. Do not store it in the bathroom to avoid exposure to moisture.
What is the usual dose of Pacritinib?
The recommended dosage of Pacritinib for adults is 200 mg taken orally twice daily. It can be taken with or without food. There is no established dosage for children as the safety and effectiveness of Pacritinib in pediatric patients have not been established.
Warnings and Precautions
Can I take Pacritinib with other prescription drugs?
Pacritinib interacts with several medications, particularly those affecting CYP3A4 enzymes. Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (like clarithromycin) and inducers (like rifampin) can alter Pacritinib's effectiveness and safety. It also affects drugs metabolized by CYP1A2, CYP2C19, and CYP3A4, potentially altering their efficacy. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking to avoid interactions.
Can Pacritinib be taken safely while breastfeeding?
There is no data on the presence of Pacritinib in human or animal milk. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in the breastfed child, it is recommended not to breastfeed during treatment with Pacritinib and for 2 weeks after the last dose.
Can Pacritinib be taken safely while pregnant?
There are no available data on Pacritinib use in pregnant women to evaluate the risk of major birth defects or miscarriage. Animal studies have shown potential risks at lower exposures than the human dose. Pregnant women should be advised of potential risks, and the benefits and risks should be considered when prescribing Pacritinib during pregnancy.
Is Pacritinib safe for the elderly?
Clinical studies of Pacritinib did not include enough subjects aged 65 and over to determine if they respond differently from younger subjects. Therefore, elderly patients should use Pacritinib with caution, and it is important to monitor them closely for any adverse effects. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Who should avoid taking Pacritinib?
Pacritinib has several important warnings and contraindications. It can cause serious bleeding, diarrhea, thrombocytopenia, and prolonged QT interval. It is contraindicated with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers. Patients with active bleeding or those undergoing surgery should avoid it. It may also increase the risk of infections, cardiovascular events, and secondary malignancies. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
