Ixempra

Drug Information Handout
Ixabepilone infusion

What is Ixabepilone infusion?

IXABEPILONE (Ixempra(tm)) is a chemotherapy drug. It is used to treat advanced breast cancer.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
diabetes
drug abuse or addiction
heart disease
if you frequently drink alcohol containing drinks
immune system problems
liver disease
low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
peripheral neuropathy
an unusual or allergic reaction to ixabepilone, Cremophor(r) EL, polyoxyethylated castor oil, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

A patient information sheet for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children.

Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What drug(s) may interact with Ixabepilone?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

disulfiram
grapefruit or grapefruit juice
metronidazole
St. John's wort

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

alcohol
antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS
carbamazepine
clarithromycin
dexamethasone
erythromycin
medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole or voriconazole
nefazodone
phenobarbital
phenytoin
rifabutin
rifampicin
rifampin telithromycin
verapamil

What side effects may I notice from receiving Ixabepilone?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
breathing problems
chest pain or palpitations
fast, irregular heartbeat
feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
fever or chills, sore throat
mouth sores or pain
pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet
swelling of the legs or ankles
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

diarrhea
hair loss
headache
loss of appetite
muscle or joint pain
nausea, vomiting
stomach pain
trouble sleeping

What should I watch for while taking Ixabepilone?

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

This drug may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon, as chemotherapy can affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your doctor tells you to stop.

Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. This drug decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

This medicine may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding.

Be careful brushing and flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this medicine.

Avoid taking products that contain aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless instructed by your doctor. These medicines may hide a fever.

Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine.

Where can I keep my medicine?

This drug is only given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

[ Last Revised: 11/7/2007 4:55:00 PM ]

NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.

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Gold Standard Inc.