Omacetaxine Disease Interactions

The use of omacetaxine can induce glucose intolerance. Hyperglycemia has been reported in patients using omacetaxine. It is recommended to monitor blood glucose levels frequently, especially in patients with a history of diabetes or in those with risk factors for diabetes. Avoid the use of omacetaxine in patients with poorly controlled diabetes.

The use of omacetaxine might cause hematological toxicities. Patients with neutropenia are at increased risk for infections, and should be monitored frequently and advised to contact a physician if they have symptoms of infection or fever. It is recommended to monitor complete blood counts (CBCs) weekly during induction and initial maintenance cycles and every two weeks during later maintenance cycles, as clinically indicated. After initial maintenance cycles, monitor CBCs every two weeks or as clinically indicated. Care should be exercised when using omacetaxine in patients with hematological disorders.

Omacetaxine can cause severe thrombocytopenia. Bleeding events, including fatalities from cerebral hemorrhage, and severe, non-fatal, gastrointestinal hemorrhages have been reported in clinical trials. Perform complete blood counts, including platelet counts weekly during induction and initial maintenance cycles. It is recommended to avoid anticoagulants, aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) when the platelet count is less than 50,000/µL as they may increase the risk of bleeding. Caution is recommended when using this agent in patients at risk of bleeding episodes.