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Lonafarnib

Generic name: lonafarnib [ LOE-na-FAR-nib ]
Brand name: Zokinvy
Dosage form: oral capsule (50 mg; 75 mg)
Drug class: Miscellaneous metabolic agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jan 1, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is lonafarnib?

Lonafarnib is for use in people with certain rare genetic conditions that cause premature and rapid aging. Lonafarnib is for use in adults and children at least 12 months old whose bodies have reached a certain size (a body surface area of 0.39 square meters).

Lonafarnib is used to lower the risk of death in people with Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS).

Lonafarnib is also used to treat certain types of Progeroid Laminopathies that are "processing-deficient."

lonafarnib is not for use in people with non-HGPS Progeroid Syndromes or with Progeroid Laminopathies that are "processing-proficient."

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

Lonafarnib side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

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

Common side effects of lonafarnib 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

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using. Many drugs can interact, and some drugs should not be used together.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use lonafarnib if you are also using certain other medicines.

Many drugs can interact and cause dangerous effects. Some drugs should not be used together with lonafarnib. Your doctor may change your treatment plan if you also use:

You may need to stop using lonafarnib for 10 to 14 days before and 2 days after using certain other medicines. Do not stop taking lonafarnib without your doctor's advice.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Lonafarnib may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

lonafarnib may affect fertility (ability to have children) in both men and women. However, women should still use birth control to prevent pregnancy because lonafarnib can harm an unborn baby.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

How should I take lonafarnib?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Lonafarnib is usually taken daily with morning and evening meals. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

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

If you cannot swallow a capsule whole, open it and sprinkle the medicine into 1 to 2 teaspoons of Ora Blend SF, Ora-Plus, orange juice, or applesauce. Swallow the mixture within 10 minutes after mixing. Do not save it for later use.

Do not mix the contents of a lonafarnib capsule with grapefruit juice or Seville orange juice. Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Lonafarnib doses are based on body surface area (height and weight). Your dose needs may change if you gain or lose weight or if you are still growing.

Your doctor may need to check your vision on a regular basis.

Store 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 your next dose is due in less than 8 hours. 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 lonafarnib?

Grapefruit and Seville oranges may interact with lonafarnib and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products and orange marmalades.

What other drugs will affect lonafarnib?

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.

Many drugs can affect lonafarnib. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

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.