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Idelalisib

Generic name: idelalisib [ eye-DEL-a-LIS-ib ]
Brand name: Zydelig
Dosage form: oral tablet (100 mg; 150 mg)
Drug class: PI3K inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Oct 30, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is idelalisib?

Idelalisib is used together with rituximab to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and certain types of lymphoma.

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

Idelalisib was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on an "accelerated" basis to treat lymphoma. In clinical studies, some people responded to idelalisib, but further studies are needed.

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

Idelalisib 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).

Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include: skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Idelalisib can cause serious harm to your liver, lungs, or intestines. You may have severe or life-threatening diarrhea, or a perforation (a hole or tear) in your intestines. Some of these conditions may lead to fatal complications.

Idelalisib 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 idelalisib 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

Idelalisib can cause serious harm to your liver, lungs, or intestines. Some of these conditions may lead to fatal complications. Call your doctor right away if you have: upper stomach pain, easy bruising or bleeding, dark urine, yellowing of your skin or eyes, cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, fever, chills, worsening stomach pain, or vomiting.

You may have severe or life-threatening diarrhea while taking idelalisib. Tell your doctor at once if your daily bowel movements increase by 6 or more.

Before taking this medicine

You may not be able to use idelalisib if you have ever had a serious skin reaction to any medicine.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Idelalisib can harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is using idelalisib.

Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 1 month after your last dose.

Idelalisib is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take idelalisib?

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

You may take idelalisib with or without food.

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

You may have severe or life-threatening diarrhea while taking idelalisib. Tell your doctor at once if your daily bowel movements increase by 6 or more.

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.

Do not stop using idelalisib without your doctor's advice.

Store this medicine in the original container at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

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 idelalisib?

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

What other drugs will affect idelalisib?

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 idelalisib, 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.

Popular FAQ

In the United States, Zydelig is approved to treat relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in combination with rituximab, where rituximab is appropriate to use taking into account other health conditions a person may have. Continue reading

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.