Iclusig may cause heart or blood vessel problems that could lead to heart attack, stroke, or death.
Call your doctor or get emergency medical help if you have: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, shortness of breath, dizziness, severe stomach pain, swelling in your legs, sudden numbness or weakness, headache, or problems with vision or speech.
Iclusig may also harm your liver. Call your doctor right away if you have upper stomach pain with loss of appetite, dark urine, bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Iclusig if you are allergic to ponatinib.
To make sure Iclusig is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
heart failure, high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems;
long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);
a stroke or blood clot;
diabetes;
high cholesterol;
liver disease;
bleeding problems;
lactose intolerance (tablets may contain lactose);
pancreatitis; or
if you've had surgery within the past 2 weeks.
You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.
Ponatinib may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 3 weeks after your last dose.
This medicine may affect fertility (ability to have children) in women. However, it is important to use birth control to prevent pregnancy because Iclusig can harm an unborn baby.
You should not breastfeed while using Iclusig and for at least 6 days after your last dose.
How should I take Iclusig?
Take Iclusig exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.
Iclusig is usually taken once daily, with or without food.
Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.
You may need frequent medical tests to be sure this medicine is not causing harmful effects. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Iclusig. You may need to stop using the medicine at least 1 week before a surgery.
Do not stop taking Iclusig or change your medication dose without your doctor's advice.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
