Apotinib 400 Tablet

Apotinib 400 Tablet should be taken with food, but better to have it same time every day to get the most benefit. You should continue to take it as long as your doctor advises for it. The duration of treatment varies according to your need and response to treatment. Taking it in the wrong way or taking too much can cause very serious side effects. It may take several weeks or months for you to see or feel the benefits but do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.

The most common side effects of this medicine include edema, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, musculoskeletal pain, diarrhea, rash, fatigue, and abdominal pain. Let your doctor know if you experience unexpected rapid weight gain. Your doctor may advise for regular monitoring of blood cells and liver function while you are taking this medicine. Do not drive or do anything requiring mental focus if you experience dizziness and blurry vision.

Many other medicines can affect, or be affected by, this medicine so let your healthcare team know all medications you are using. This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. The use of effective contraception by both males and females during treatment is important to avoid pregnancy.

Blood cancer (Chronic myeloid leukaemia)
Blood cancer (Acute lymphocytic leukemia)
Gastrointestinal stromal tumour

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Apotinib 400 Tablet is to be taken with food.

Apotinib 400 Tablet is an anti-cancer medication. A protein enzyme, bcr-abl tyrosine kinase, responsible for the growth of abnormal proliferation of cancer cells. This medicine inhibits the proliferation and induces apoptosis (planned cell death) in bcr-abl positive cells (cancer cells). This is how it works to stop or slow the spread of cancer.

If you miss a dose of Apotinib 400 Tablet, skip it and continue with your normal schedule. Do not double the dose.

Always take it with food and a full glass of water to prevent nausea.

It may cause dizziness or blurred vision. Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.

Water retention and swelling are very common side effects of Apotinib 400 Tablet. Notify your doctor if you have unexpected rapid weight gain.

Do not change the dose or discontinue use without consulting your doctor.

Notify your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including over the counter medicines and dietary supplements.

Your doctor may get regular blood tests done to monitor your liver function and the number of blood cells in your blood.

Q. Can Apotinib 400 Tablet be taken with food?

Yes, the best way to take it is with a glass of water and food. This prevents irritation in the food pipe and stomach. If you cannot swallow it, put the tablets in a glass of water or apple juice (approximately 50 ml for a 100 mg tablet and 200 ml for a 400 mg tablet). Stir it with a spoon to make it uniform and drink it immediately.

Q. Is it safe to drive while taking Apotinib 400 Tablet?

Apotinib 400 Tablet may cause dizziness, lightheadedness or drowsiness in some people. Make sure you know how you react to it before you drive a car or operate machinery.

Q. What precautions need to be followed while taking Apotinib 400 Tablet?

While taking Apotinib 400 Tablet, make sure you follow all the instructions given by your doctor, carefully and keep all appointments. You will need regular follow-up to ensure that the treatment is working. Regular blood tests, weight checks, and urine tests may be required to find out any side effects before it becomes serious. Make sure you use a method of contraception to prevent pregnancy during treatment with Apotinib 400 Tablet. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while you are taking this medicine. If you are about to start taking any new medicine, remind your doctor that you are taking Apotinib 400 Tablet.

Q. Ever since I started using Apotinib 400 Tablet, I have noticed that I develop rashes and severe itching when I have sun exposure. Is it because of the medicine or the disease?

This medicine may make your skin much more sensitive to sunlight than it normally is. Exposure to sunlight may cause skin rash, itching, redness or severe sunburn. When you are outdoors, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. If you feel a burning sensation on your skin, tell your doctor.

Q. The doctor has advised me not to take any medicine on my own while taking Apotinib 400 Tablet. Should I consult my doctor even if I need to take paracetamol for my fever?

Yes, there are a number of medicines which interfere with Apotinib 400 Tablet, including paracetamol. Therefore you should not self medicate while taking Apotinib 400 Tablet. Other medicines which interfere with Apotinib 400 Tablet include cyclosporin, dexamethasone (a steroid), warfarin, antiviral medicines which treat AIDS and some medicines which treat bacterial infections, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart problems, and mental disorders and depression. Consult your doctor before taking any medicine, and inform him that you are on Apotinib 400 Tablet therapy.

Q. What precautions need to be followed while taking Apotinib 400 Tablet?

While taking Apotinib 400 Tablet, make sure you follow all the instructions given by your doctor, carefully and keep all appointments. You will need regular follow-up to ensure that the treatment is working. Regular blood tests, weight checks, and urine tests may be required to find out any side effects before it becomes serious. Make sure you use a method of contraception to prevent pregnancy during treatment with Apotinib 400 Tablet. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while you are taking this medicine. If you are about to start taking any new medicine, remind your doctor that you are taking Apotinib 400 Tablet.

Q. Can I expect that if I take Apotinib 400 Tablet regularly and as advised by the doctor for CML, I will be cured?

Apotinib 400 Tablet has proved effective in many cases of CML. It is also noticed that the chances of survival increase after taking this medicine. The doctor who is treating CML can tell you better. The doctor will analyze your current state, blood test results, response to treatment, any other medical illness which you may be having, etc. and tell you.

In Blood cancer (Chronic myeloid leukaemia)

Blood cancer, also called leukemia, is a cancer of the blood-forming tissues, that decreases the body’s ability to fight infection. Apotinib 400 Tablet kills or stops the growth of cancer cells and also prevents the multiplication of cancer cells. It is a potent and very toxic medicine and you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. You should avoid drinking alcohol while having this treatment and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

In Blood cancer (Acute lymphocytic leukemia)

Blood cancer, also called leukemia, is a cancer of the blood-forming tissues, that decreases the body’s ability to fight infection. Apotinib 400 Tablet kills or stops the growth of cancer cells and also prevents the multiplication of cancer cells. It is a potent and very toxic medicine and you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. You should avoid drinking alcohol while having this treatment and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

In Gastrointestinal stromal tumour

A gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a type of tumor that occurs most commonly in the stomach or small intestine. The tumors develop into the specialized cells called interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs). Apotinib 400 Tablet helps to kill the cancer cells and also stops their further growth and spread. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get the most benefit.show moreshow less

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Abdominal pain

Fatigue

Rash

Diarrhea

Musculoskeletal (bone, muscle or joint) pain

Muscle cramp

Vomiting

Nausea

Edema (swelling)

Alcohol:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Apotinib 400 Tablet. Please consult your doctor.

Pregnancy:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Apotinib 400 Tablet is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.

Breast feeding:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Apotinib 400 Tablet is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.Lactating women should not breastfeed while using this drug and one month after stopping it.

Driving:UNSAFE

Apotinib 400 Tablet may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive.

Kidney:CAUTION

Apotinib 400 Tablet should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Apotinib 400 Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

Liver:CAUTION

Apotinib 400 Tablet should be used with caution in patients with severe liver disease. Dose adjustment of Apotinib 400 Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

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