Glasdegib

Glasdegib must not be taken by patients who are pregnant or who may become pregnant. There is a high risk that glasdegib will cause severe birth defects (physical problems that are present at birth) or death of the unborn baby.

If you are a female who can become pregnant, you must have a negative pregnancy test within 7 days before you start treatment with glasdegib. You will need to use effective birth control during you treatment with glasdegib and for at least 30 days after your final dose. Talk to your doctor about birth control options that will work for you.

If you are a male with a female partner who can become pregnant or who is pregnant, you should know glasdegib may be present in the semen and may cause harm to the unborn baby. Use a condom during your treatment with glasdegib and for at least 30 days after the final dose even if you have had a vasectomy (surgery to prevent sperm from leaving your body and causing pregnancy). Do not donate semen during your treatment and for at least 30 days after yourfinal dose.

If you have had unprotected sex, think that your birth control has failed, or think you or your female partner may be pregnant call your doctor right away.

Do not donate blood or blood products during your treatment with glasdegib and for at least 30 days after your last dose.

Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer’s patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with glasdegib and each time you refill your prescription. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website (http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm085729.htm) or the manufacturer’s website to obtain the Medication Guide.

Part of the reason for these long wait times and short appointments is due to a nationwide shortage of physicians that is only getting worse. A report by the Association of American Medical Colleges predicts that, due to population growth and specifically growth of the elderly population, the physician shortfall in the U.S. could reach 121,300 by the year 2030.

🔔 Why is this medication prescribed?

Glasdegib is used along with cytarabine as a first treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML; a type of cancer that begins in the white blood cells) in people over 75 years of age, or in adults who have other medical conditions and can not be treated with other chemotherapy medications. Glasdegib is in a class of medications called hedgehog pathway inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of a protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps stop or slow the spread of cancer cells.

See also  Pexidartinib

🔔 How should this medicine be used?

Glasdegib comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually given with or without food once a day for at least 6 months, or as long as your doctor recommends treatment. Take glasdegib at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take glasdegib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.

If you vomit after taking glasdegib, do not take another dose. Continue your regular dosing schedule.

Your doctor may need to interrupt your treatment, reduce your dose, or stop your treatment depending on your response to the medication and any side effects that you experience. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with glasdegib.

🔔 Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.