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Drug Information

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  • Common uses
  • How to take the medication
  • Common side effects
  • Precautions & interactions

How Umbralisib works, side effects, interactions and precautions.

Umbralisib

Umbralisib

(um" bra lis' ib)

Brand Name(s): , Ukoniq®


IMPORTANT NOTICE:

MEDWATCH ALERT

FDA Drug Safety Communication Posted February 3, 2022

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating a possible increased risk of death with the cancer medicine umbralisib (Ukoniq) approved to treat two specific types of lymphomas (cancers that affect the body's immune system). FDA determined that initial findings from a clinical trial evaluating umbralisib to treat a related type of cancer found a possible increased risk of death in patients taking the medicine. Because of the seriousness of this safety concern and the similarities between the two types of cancer for which this drug is approved and the type of cancer that was studied in the clinical trial, FDA is alerting patients and health care professionals that they are re-evaluating this risk against the benefits of umbralisib for its approved uses.

FDA is continuing to evaluate the results from the clinical trial called UNITY. FDA may also hold a future public meeting to discuss these findings and explore the continued marketing of umbralisib. FDA has also suspended enrollment of new patients in other ongoing clinical trials of umbralisib while we continue to review the UNITY findings. FDA will communicate their final conclusions and recommendations when they have completed their review or have more information to share.

Health care professionals should review patients' progress on umbralisib and discuss with them the risks and benefits of continuing umbralisib in the context of other available treatments.

Patients should talk to your health care professionals about the risks and benefits of umbralisib or any concerns you may have, including about possible alternative treatments.

WHY is this medicine prescribed?

Umbralisib is used to treat marginal zone lymphoma (MZL; a slow growing cancer that begins in a type of white blood cells that normally fight infection) in adults whose cancer has returned or did not respond to a certain type of medication. It is also used to treat follicular lymphoma (FL; a type of cancer that begins in the white blood cells) in adults whose cancer has returned or did not respond to at least three other medications. Umbralisib is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of the abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps stop the spread of cancer cells.

Are there OTHER USES for this medicine?

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

HOW should this medicine be used?

Umbralisib comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once daily with food. Take umbralisib 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 umbralisib 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 the medication, do not take another dose. Continue your regular dosing schedule.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?

Before taking umbralisib,

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to umbralisib, aspirin, any other medications, tartrazine (a yellow dye in some processed foods and medications), or any of the ingredients in umbralisib tablets. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
  • tell your doctor if you have an infection. Also, tell your doctor if have ever had have stomach or intestinal problems or liver disease.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or if you plan on fathering a child. If you are female, you will need to take a pregnancy test before you start treatment and use birth control to prevent pregnancy during your treatment and for at least 1 month after your final dose. If you are a male, you and your partner should use birth control during your treatment with umbralisib and for 1 month after your final dose. Talk to your doctor about birth control methods that you can use during your treatment. If you or your partner become pregnant while taking umbralisib, call your doctor immediately. Umbralisib may harm the fetus.
  • tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed while you are taking umbralisib and for 1 month after your final dose.
  • you should know that umbralisib may cause fertility problems in men. This may affect your ability to father a child. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns about fertility.

What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?

If you miss a dose by less than 12 hours, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it and then take the next dose at the scheduled time. However, if you miss a dose by more than 12 hours, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?

Umbralisib may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • diarrhea
  • vomiting
  • nausea
  • loss of appetite
  • stomach pain
  • tiredness
  • swelling of the face, hands, or feet
  • muscle, back, neck, or bone pain
  • difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

  • fever, sore throat, cough, difficulty breathing, wheezing, chills, or other signs of infection
  • severe diarrhea; blood in your stools or black, tarry stools; pink or brown urine; vomiting blood or coffee ground vomit; or coughing up blood
  • yellow eyes or skin; abdominal pain; bruising or bleeding; loss of appetite; yellow or brown-colored urine; pale stools; or pain in upper right part of stomach
  • rash
  • rash with fever or itching
  • blisters or peeling skin
  • painful sores or ulcers on your skin, lips, or mouth

Umbralisib may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ([WEB]) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. [WEB]

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website ([WEB]) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at [WEB]. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to umbralisib.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.



This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

AHFS® Patient Medication Information™. © Copyright, 2022. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

Selected Revisions: February 15, 2022.

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