Wednesday, June 12, 2013

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Ruxolitinib Oral Uses and How to Use


IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

Table of Contents

Generic Name: RUXOLITINIB - ORAL
Pronounced: (RUX-oh-LI-ti-nib)

Ruxolitinib Oral Uses

This medication is used to treat a condition known as myelofibrosis. It works by blocking your body from producing substances called growth factors. Growth factors cause cells to grow and divide, and cause the blood cell and spleen problems found in myelofibrosis. Ruxolitinib belongs to a class of drugs known as JAK inhibitors. Though not a cure for myelofibrosis, ruxolitinib may help with some of the symptoms, including abdominal discomfort, pain under left ribs, early feelings of fullness from meals, night sweats, itching, and bone/muscle pain.

How To Use Ruxolitinib Oral

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking ruxolitinib and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily. If you are unable to swallow the tablets, ask your doctor about other ways to take this medication.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, laboratory test results, and response to treatment.

Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase. Also, do not suddenly stop taking ruxolitinib without talking to your doctor first. Your dose may need to be slowly decreased.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.


CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
Information last revised December 2011 Copyright(c) 2011 First DataBank, Inc.