Bosulif

Bosutinib, also known and sold under the trade name of Bosulif, is a product which belongs to the group of drugs known as antineoplastics. It is used in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia. It is considered to work by stopping the growth process of the cancer cells. This medicine is available in the form of a tablet, for oral use.

Before the decision to start the treatment with this medication is made, it is essential to get informed about the expected beneficial effects, as well as, about the potential side effects and risks. For this decision to be made, the beneficial effects must outweigh the potential risks. This is a decision that you and your doctor, together, will have to make. During the consultations, it is important to inform the doctor about:

• Allergies – Inform the doctor about any allergic reactions to any kind of medications, prescribed or no prescribed. Also, inform the healthcare professional about any allergic reactions to any specific kind of food, dye, fabric and etc.
• Pediatric – There are no studies done that would confirm the safety of this medication to be used within pediatric patients. This medication is not recommended to be used within pediatric patients. However, it could be used only in cases where the beneficial effects outweigh the potential risks.
• Geriatric – Proper studies done have confirmed that this medication is safe to be used within geriatric patients, as well as, that there are no age-related problems and risks. However, because of the increased sensitivity within the elderly, this medication must be used with extra caution.
• Pregnancy – Inform the doctor if you are currently pregnant or have any plans about pregnancy in the near future. Proper studies done have confirmed that this medication affects the fetus, and that there is a risk to the fetus when this medication is used during pregnancy. This medication is not recommended to be used during pregnancy. However, it could be used only in cases where the beneficial effects outweigh the potential risks.
• Breastfeeding – Inform the doctor if you are currently breastfeeding. There are no studies done that would confirm the safety of this medication to be used within nursing mothers. It is unknown if it is extracted in the milk, or how would it affect the infant. This medication is not recommended to be used within nursing mothers. However, it could be used only in cases where the beneficial effects outweigh the potential risks.
• Drug interactions – Inform the doctor if you are currently using any other medications, prescribed or no prescribed, even vitamins and herbal tea. This is important because certain medications are not recommended to be used in a combination with others, because of the possibility that certain interactions could occur. However, sometimes the doctor may decide to use a certain type of a combination, including two or more medications, to treat your condition, if he or she considers that combination to prove as beneficial regarding your condition.
• Other interactions – Certain medications are not recommended to be used in a combination with specific type of food, tobacco and alcohol. Because of this, it is important to get informed if there is a need for you to follow a specific type of diet, and discontinue your use of tobacco and alcohol. For example, avoid eating grapefruit and drinking grapefruit juice during the treatment due to the increased possibility of side effects that could occur when eating grapefruit and drinking grapefruit juice.
• Other medical problems – Inform the doctor about your medical history, any other medical problems and conditions from the past or at the moment. Especially, inform the doctor if there are any of the following conditions present – anemia, blood or bone marrow problems, diarrhea, edema, nausea or vomiting, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, infection, kidney disease, or liver disease.

For proper use, follow the directions given by your doctor. This medication is available in the form of a tablet, for oral use. Swallow the tablet whole, with food, as directed by your doctor. Do not crush, break or chew the tablet. The dose is individual for every patient, prescribed by the doctor, and based on your condition and the prognosis of the treatment.

In order to get the most beneficial effects from its use, remember to take each dose regularly. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not double to catch up. This medication is harmful in case of an overdose. If an overdose is suspected, contact the doctor as soon as possible or further directions.

Visit your doctor regularly, at your scheduled appointments, so that he or she would be able to track your condition and make any adjustments if needed. These adjustments may refer to the dose – e.g. the doctor may decide to increase or decrease the dose, or to the treatment itself – the doctor may decide to discontinue your treatment with this medication, if there are any serious side effects present which would worsen your condition or if your condition does not improve.

Inform the doctor about any allergic reactions to any kind of medications, prescribed or no prescribed. This is important because this medication may contain inactive substances that could cause certain interactions to occur. Inform the doctor if you are currently pregnant or have any plans about pregnancy in the near future. This is important because this medication is not recommended to be used during pregnancy, due to studies done which confirm the unwanted effect that this medication has on the fetus.

You must use at least two forms of birth control to help prevent pregnancy during the treatment. Inform the doctor if you are currently breastfeeding. This medication is not recommended to be used within nursing mothers, due to the lack of studies that would confirm the safety of this medication to be used within nursing mothers.

This medication may cause dizziness. Avoid driving and any other activities which require alertness during the treatment.

Along with its expected beneficial effects, there are potential side effects which could occur. These side effects do not occur within all patients, also they could be mild or more serious. However, it is important to get informed about the potential side effects, so that you would be able to notice their presence and inform the doctor as soon as possible.

• Common side effects – nausea, vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, loss of appetite, headache, joint pain, or dizziness. These are common side effects, which are not considered as serious side effects. But, if their presence persists, or worsens, inform the doctor as soon as possible.
• Serious side effects – yellowing of the skin/eyes, severe abdominal/stomach pain, swelling of the ankles/feet/hands, shortness of breath, chest pain, or change in the amount of urine. These are serious side effects whose presence must be reported to the doctor as soon as possible.

A very serious allergic reaction to this medication is not common. However, if you notice any of the following symptoms, contact the doctor as soon as possible – skin rash, itching/swelling of the face/tongue/hands/feet, trouble breathing, or severe dizziness.