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Duvelisib

Generic name: duvelisib [ DOO-ve-LIS-ib ]
Brand name: Copiktra
Dosage form: oral capsule (15 mg; 25 mg)
Drug class: PI3K inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Oct 5, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is duvelisib?

Duvelisib is used to treat adults with chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic leukemia. Duvelisib is also used to treat follicular lymphoma.

Duvelisib is given after at least two other cancer treatments did not work or have stopped working.

Duvelisib may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Duvelisib side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Duvelisib may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.

Common side effects of duvelisib may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Duvelisib can cause serious or fatal side effects, including serious infections, severe diarrhea, or a life-threatening skin rash.

Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms such as:

Before taking this medicine

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Both men and women using duvelisib should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Duvelisib can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects if the mother or father is using this medicine.

Keep using birth control for at least 1 month after your last dose. Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using duvelisib.

It is not safe to breast-feed a baby while you are using this medicine. Also do not breast-feed for at least 1 month after your last dose.

How should I take duvelisib?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

You may take duvelisib with or without food.

Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.

Duvelisib can cause severe diarrhea, which can be life-threatening. You may need to take medication to prevent or quickly treat diarrhea.

You may be given other medications to help prevent serious side effects. Keep using these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.

Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis, and you will need frequent medical tests. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.

Store capsules in the blister pack at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Duvelisib dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia:

25 mg orally 2 times a day in 28-day cycles until unacceptable toxicity or progressive disease

Comments:
-If a dose is missed by fewer than 6 hours, take the missed dose right away
and take the next dose as usual. If a dose is missed by more than 6 hours, wait
and take the next dose at the usual time.
-Provide prophylaxis for Pneumocystis jirovecii (PJP) during therapy with this drug.
-Withhold therapy in patients with suspected PJP of any Grade and discontinue if PJP is confirmed.
-Consider prophylactic antivirals during therapy to prevent cytomegalovirus
(CMV) infection/reactivation.

Uses: For the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) after at least 2 prior therapies

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if you are more than 6 hours late for the dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking duvelisib?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect duvelisib?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Other drugs may affect duvelisib, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.