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Ixazomib

Generic name: ixazomib [ ix-AZ-oh-mib ]
Brand name: Ninlaro
Dosage form: oral capsule (2.3 mg; 3 mg; 4 mg)
Drug class: Proteasome inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jun 29, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is ixazomib?

Ixazomib is used in adults to treat multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer), in combination chemotherapy with lenalidomide and dexamethasone.

This combination is usually given after treatment with at least one other cancer medicine has failed.

Ixazomib should not be used to treat people who are receiving maintenance treatment, or who have been newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma, except if they are participants in a controlled clinical trial.

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

Ixazomib 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, mouth sores, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Ixazomib can cause life-threatening blood clots in the small blood vessels inside your organs, such as your brain or kidneys. Seek medical help right away if you have symptoms of this condition, such as a fever, tiredness, decreased urination, bruising, or nosebleeds.

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

Common side effects of ixazomib 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

Do not use ixazomib with lenalidomide if you are pregnant, or if you are a man and your sexual partner is pregnant. Lenalidomide is known to cause severe, life-threatening birth defects or death of a baby if the mother or the father is taking ixazomib at the time of conception or during pregnancy.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use ixazomib if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Ixazomib may harm an unborn baby. Both men and women should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking ixazomib, and for at least 90 days after the last dose.

If you are a woman also taking dexamethasone: If you use birth control pills or other hormonal contraception (injections, implants, skin patches, vaginal rings), also use a barrier form of birth control such as a condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge.

Ixazomib is used together with lenalidomide. Do not use ixazomib with lenalidomide if you are pregnant, or if you are a man and your sex partner is pregnant. Lenalidomide is known to cause severe, life-threatening birth defects or death of a baby if the mother or the father is taking this medicine at the time of conception or during pregnancy.

Carefully follow all instructions about the use of birth control while using ixazomib with lenalidomide, whether you are a man or a woman. Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using these medicines.

Do not breastfeed while using ixazomib, and for at least 90 days after your last dose.

How should I take ixazomib?

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.

Your combination chemotherapy will be given in a 28-day treatment cycle. You will take ixazomib once per week on the same day of the week during the first 3 weeks of each cycle. Your other medicines may be taken daily or only once per week throughout the cycle.

If you've ever had chickenpox or shingles, taking ixazomib can cause this virus to become active again. You may be given antiviral medication to prevent shingles.

Carefully follow your doctor's dosing instructions for taking all your medications.

Take ixazomib at the same time each day on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Do not take your dexamethasone dose at the same time you take ixazomib. Dexamethasone should be taken with food and ixazomib should be taken without food.

Swallow the ixazomib capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it. Take with a full glass of water.

If you vomit shortly after taking ixazomib, do not take another dose. Wait until your next scheduled dose time to take the medicine again.

Do not use a broken ixazomib capsule. The medicine inside the capsule can be dangerous if it gets in your eyes or on your skin. If this happens, wash your skin with soap and water or rinse your eyes with water. Ask your pharmacist how to safely dispose of a broken pill.

You may need frequent medical tests to be sure ixazomib is not causing harmful effects. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep each capsule in the blister pack until you are ready to take a dose.

Ixazomib dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Multiple Myeloma:

Starting dose: 4 mg orally once a week on Days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day treatment cycle
Duration of therapy: Until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity

Comments:
-Limitations of Use: This drug is not recommended for use in the maintenance setting or in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone outside of controlled clinical trials.
-The recommended starting dose of lenalidomide is 25 mg orally daily on Days 1 through 21 of a 28-day treatment cycle; the recommended starting dose of dexamethasone is 40 mg orally on Days 1, 8, 15, and 22 of a 28-day treatment cycle.
-The manufacturer product information for lenalidomide and dexamethasone should each be consulted.

Use: In combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least 1 prior therapy

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 72 hours (3 days). 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 ixazomib?

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

What other drugs will affect ixazomib?

Other drugs may affect ixazomib, 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.