Uses of Ruxolitinib

Ruxolitinib is indicated to treat enlarged spleen or with symptoms related to myelofibrosis (a rare form of blood cancer). It is also used to control the haematocrit (the amount of red blood cells in the blood) in patients with polycythemia vera.

Therapeutic Category

Ruxolitinib: Kinase inhibitors.

How Ruxolitinib works

Ruxolitinib is a selective inhibitor of the Janus Kinases which blocks the action of certain enzymes and reduces the size of the spleen in patients with myelofibrosis and helps to reduce the risk of serious blood or vascular complications. This medicine also reduces the amount of red blood cells in the blood in patients with polycythemia vera.

Common side effects of Ruxolitinib

• Urinary tract infection
• Tiredness, fatigue, shortness of breath, pale skin
• Infections, fever, chills, sore throat and mouth ulcers
• Spontaneous bleeding or bruising
• Painful skin rash with blisters
• Bleeding in the brain (altered level of consciousness, persistent headache, numbness, tingling, weakness and paralysis)
• Bleeding in the stomach or intestine
• Low heartbeat, chest pain, dizziness, vertigo, fainting

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor If you experience:

• Confusion, difficulty thinking, walking and speaking, loss of balance, clumsiness, difficulty decreased strength or weakness on one side of your body, blurred and/or loss of vision
• Swelling, pain in arm or leg appear red and warm to touch
• Chest pain that may increase with deep breathing, cough, coughing up bloody sputum, shortness of breath

Health Tips for Ruxolitinib

• Always take Ruxolitinib exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not change the dosage or stop taking it without consulting your doctor
• Alcohol can interact with Ruxolitinib and increase the risk of side effects. Additionally, grapefruit and grapefruit juice can also interact with the medication, so it's best to avoid them while on this treatment
• Ruxolitinib is usually taken with food to improve its absorption and reduce the risk of stomach upset. Follow your doctor's recommendations regarding food intake
• Ruxolitinib is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor
• Ruxolitinib is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor