Idelalisib (Brand Name: Zydelig)

What’s it used for?

It is used to treat three types of B-cell cancers:
  • Relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), in combination with rituximab
  • Relapsed follicular B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma in patients who have received at least 2 therapies before
  • Relapsed small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) in patients who have received at least 2 systemic therapies before

What should I know before taking it?

  • Tell your doctor, nurse, and pharmacist if you have liver, lung, or breathing problems or have an infection.
  • Tell your doctor, nurse, and pharmacist the names of all medicines you take. This includes over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
  • Tell your doctor, nurse, and pharmacist if you have any allergies.
  • Talk to your doctor about drinking alcohol.
  • Talk to your doctor before taking medicine that contains aspirin.
  • Talk to your doctor before getting any vaccines, like the flu shot.
  • Tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions.
  • Both men and women should use appropriate birth control while taking it and for 4 months after stopping.

How do I take it?

  • It is often taken twice a day, with doses 12 hours apart.
  • Take with water. You may take with or without food.
  • Swallow tablets whole. Do not crush or chew.

What are the side effects?

The common ones (more than 3 in 10 people have these) 
  • Tiredness (fatigue) 
  • Diarrhea
  • Decreased white blood cell counts
  • Changes in liver function
Other side effects
  • Trouble Sleeping
  • Headache
  • Skin rash
  • Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or loss of appetite
  • Intestinal perforation
  • Night sweats
  • Anemia
  • Weakness
  • Cough, shortness of breath
  • Swelling in the legs and feet
  • Respiratory tract infection or pneumonia
  • Fever
  • Decreased red blood cell and platelet counts

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

How do I handle it safely?

  • Wash your hands after handling this drug.
  • Pregnant women should not handle this drug.

How do I store it?

  • Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Keep out of reach of children and pets.
  • Keep in the original container. 

What’s this drug’s class?

Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase (PI3K) Inhibitor, Antineoplastic agent

When do I call my doctor?

Call your doctor if you have any of these:
  • Any bothersome side effects or any side effects that do not go away
  • A temperature over 101°F or if your temperature stays over 100.4°F for more than an hour
  • Number of bowel movements you have in a day increases by 6 or more
  • Start having breathing problems during treatment, including:
    • New or worsening cough
    • Shortness of breath
    • Difficulty breathing
    • Wheezing
  • Any sign of a severe skin reaction, including:
    • Painful sores or ulcers on your skin, lips or in your mouth
    • Severe rash with blisters or peeling skin
    • Rash with itching
  • Any sign of gastrointestinal perforation, such as:
    • Fever
    • Abdominal pain with constipation
    • Nausea and vomiting
  • Any other signs of infection, such as:
    • Burning during urination
    • Sore throat or cold
    • Shortness of breath
  • Any yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
  • Urine appears dark brown
  • Belly pain

Who do I call with questions?

_______________________________

 

7/2017