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Bosulif Side Effects

Generic name: bosutinib

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 15, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about bosutinib. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Bosulif.

Applies to bosutinib: oral tablet.

Serious side effects of Bosulif

Along with its needed effects, bosutinib (the active ingredient contained in Bosulif) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking bosutinib:

More common

Less common

Rare

Incidence not known

Other side effects of Bosulif

Some side effects of bosutinib may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Less common

Rare

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to bosutinib: oral capsule, oral tablet.

General

The most commonly reported side effects were diarrhea, nausea, thrombocytopenia, vomiting, abdominal pain, rash, anemia, pyrexia, and fatigue.[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Common (1% to 10%): Pericardial effusion, chest pain, prolonged QT interval

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pericarditis[Ref]

Hematologic

Very common (10% or more): Low platelet count (less than 50 × 10(9)/L, up to 57%), thrombocytopenia (up to 40%), absolute neutrophil count (less than 1 × 10(9)/L, up to 37%), Low hemoglobin (less than 80 g/L, up to 35%), anemia (up to 27%), neutropenia (16%), leukopenia (11%)

Common (1% to 10%): Febrile neutropenia

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Granulocytopenia

Frequency not reported: Myelosuppression[Ref]

Hepatic

Very common (10% or more): Increased alanine aminotransferase (up to 22%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (up to 18%)

Common (1% to 10%): Increased bilirubin [greater than 3 times the upper limit of normal (3 x ULN)], hepatotoxicity, abnormal hepatic function, increased gamma-glutamyltransferase

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Liver injury

Frequency not reported: Hepatic toxicity[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Very common (10% or more): Diarrhea (up to 84%), nausea (up to 46%), abdominal pain (up to 40%), vomiting (up to 37%)

Common (1% to 10%): Increased lipase (greater than 2 × ULN), gastritis, increased blood amylase

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Acute pancreatitis, gastrointestinal hemorrhage

Frequency not reported: Gastrointestinal toxicity[Ref]

Dermatologic

Very common (10% or more): Rash (up to 34%), pruritus (up to 11%)

Common (1% to 10%): Urticaria, pruritus, acne

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Erythema multiforme, exfoliative rash, drug eruption[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Common (1% to 10%): Drug hypersensitivity

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anaphylactic shock[Ref]

Respiratory

Very common (10% or more): Cough (up to 20%), nasopharyngitis (up to 12%), respiratory tract infection (up to 12%), dyspnea (up to 10%)

Common (1% to 10%): Pneumonia, influenza, bronchitis, pleural effusion

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Acute pulmonary edema, respiratory failure, pulmonary hypertension[Ref]

Metabolic

Very common (10% or more): Decreased appetite (up to 13%)

Common (1% to 10%): Hyperkalemia, dehydration

Frequency not reported: Fluid retention[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Very common (10% or more): Arthralgia (up to 14%), back pain (up to 12%)

Common (1% to 10%): Myalgia[Ref]

Nervous system

Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 20%), dizziness (up to 10%)

Common (1% to 10%): Dysgeusia[Ref]

Other

Very common (10% or more): Fatigue (up to 26%), pyrexia (up to 22%), edema (up to 14%), asthenia (11%)

Common (1% to 10%): Low phosphorus (less than 0.6 mmol/L), tinnitus, pain, increased blood creatine phosphokinase[Ref]

Renal

Common (1% to 10%): Increased blood creatinine

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Acute renal failure, renal failure, renal impairment[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

References

1. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.

2. Product Information. Bosulif (bosutinib). Pfizer U.S. Pharmaceuticals Group. 2012.

Further information

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

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.