Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Ninlaro (Ixazomib).
Anemia: Ninlaro (Ixazomib) may cause low levels of red blood cells. If you experience symptoms of reduced red blood cell count (anemia) such as shortness of breath, feeling unusually tired, or pale skin, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells, including red blood cells, in your blood.
Birth control: Ninlaro (Ixazomib) can cause harm to the developing baby if it is taken by the mother while she is pregnant. If you or your partner are taking Ninlaro (Ixazomib) and may become pregnant, it is important to use 2 effective types of birth control. Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) are not enough, as the effectiveness of birth control pills may be decreased by medications in this cancer treatment. Both males and females should use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 90 days after stopping treatment.
Blood clotting: Ninlaro (Ixazomib) can reduce the number of platelet cells in the blood. Platelets help the blood to clot, and a shortage could make you bleed more easily. Tell your doctor about any signs that your blood is not clotting as quickly as usual. Such symptoms may include black and tarry stools, blood in the urine, easy bruising, or cuts that won't stop bleeding.
Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells, including platelets, in your blood.
Infection: As well as killing cancer cells, Ninlaro (Ixazomib) can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). If possible, avoid contact with people with contagious infections.
Tell your doctor immediately if you notice signs of an infection, such as fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness. Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells in your blood.
Kidney function: Severe Kidney Disease or reduced kidney function may cause Ninlaro (Ixazomib) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Ninlaro (Ixazomib) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Ninlaro (Ixazomib), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Ninlaro (Ixazomib) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Ninlaro (Ixazomib) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Ninlaro (Ixazomib), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Ninlaro (Ixazomib).
Ninlaro (Ixazomib) can cause decreased liver function. If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Open capsules: The medication contained inside each capsule is very harmful if it is inhaled or touched. It is important to avoid coming into contact with the drug powder. If a capsule is opened accidentally, wear gloves and protective clothing, including a mask, to clean up the spill. Do not crush, chew, or intentionally open any capsules.
Shingles: Shingles is a reactivation of the herpes zoster virus, which is the virus that causes Chickenpox. The virus stays in the nerve cells after chickenpox and can become activated when the body's defense system is not working well. Because Ninlaro (Ixazomib) can reduce the body's ability to fight infection, the risk of developing shingles is increased for people taking Ninlaro (Ixazomib). Talk to your doctor about ways to reduce the chances of developing shingles.
Pregnancy: Ninlaro (Ixazomib) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Ninlaro (Ixazomib), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Ninlaro (Ixazomib) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Ninlaro (Ixazomib), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Ninlaro (Ixazomib) have not been established for children.