Ponatinib is administered orally. Current U.S. ICLUSIG labeling specifies once-daily administration for the approved regimens. It may be taken with or without food. Tablets should be swallowed whole and should not be crushed, broken, cut or chewed.
The prescribed dose depends on the disease, treatment setting, molecular findings, response and toxicity. Patients should follow the prescription rather than selecting a dose based on the strength printed on a package.
General administration principles
- Take ponatinib exactly as prescribed.
- Take it at approximately the same time each day when following a once-daily regimen.
- It may be taken with or without food under current U.S. labeling.
- Swallow tablets whole.
- Do not independently increase, decrease or stop treatment.
- Keep scheduled laboratory and clinical monitoring appointments.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, current U.S. labeling instructs patients to take the next dose at the regularly scheduled time the following day. Patients should not take an additional dose to compensate.
Monitoring
Monitoring may include blood pressure, complete blood counts, liver tests, pancreatic enzymes, cardiovascular assessment, symptoms of vascular events, eye examinations and other assessments based on the treatment setting.
Before surgery
The current U.S. label recommends withholding ICLUSIG for at least one week before elective surgery, and not administering it for at least two weeks after major surgery and until adequate wound healing.
Product-specific storage
Storage requirements for the specific Ponaxen product are Everest Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Patients should follow the product packaging and official local instructions.