Uses of Ruxolitinib (Jakafi)

Ruxolitinib is used in the treatment of myelofibrosis - which causes scar tissue to replace bone marrow. In addition, Ruxolitinib is also used to treat patients with polycythemia vera. However, the use of Ruxolitinib may experience some unwanted side effects such as dizziness, constipation, headache... Therefore, before using it, it is necessary to carefully study and follow the doctor's instructions. treatment .

Ruxolitinib or Jakafi drugs inhibit JAK1 and JAK2. These are mediators of the signaling of several cytokines and growth factors that are important in hematopoiesis as well as the functioning of the immune system. JAKs have been implicated in STAT's assistance to cytokine receptors, and also activate and localize STAT to the nucleus to help regulate gene expression.

Ruxolitinib can be used in the treatment of diseases related to bone marrow disorders such as myelofibrosis, polycythemia vera. Ruxolitinib works by blocking the body's production of growth factors, which are the factors that make cells grow and divide, causing problems with blood cells and the spleen. of this disorder.

Dosage The recommended starting dose of ruxolitinib for myelofibrosis may be available in 5mg, 15mg and 20mg strengths, respectively. The frequency of twice-daily dosing will depend on the patient's current platelet count.
Platelet count if more than 200 x 10/l the starting dose is 20mg twice daily. Platelet count if between 100 and 200 x 10/l the starting dose is 15 mg twice daily. If the platelet count is less than 50 to 100 x 10/l, the starting dose is 5 mg twice daily. The maximum dose that can be used in case:
Initial platelet count is 100 x 10/l or more than the starting dose is 25mg twice daily. The initial platelet count is 50 to less than 100 x 10/l or more. The starting dose is 10 mg twice daily. The treatment period of Ruxolitinib can last for about 6 months, but if the spleen condition does not decrease and the symptoms do not improve, you can discuss with your doctor to choose a more suitable method.
How to use the drug Ruxolitinib can be used with or without food as directed by your doctor. The patient should swallow the tablet whole, and should not chew or break it before taking it. In cases where it is not possible to swallow Ruxolitinib tablets whole, you can ask your doctor to see if there is a suitable way to use them.
Note: The above recommended therapeutic dose for Ruxolitinib is for reference only. Therefore, before using Ruxolitinib, patients need to be prescribed by a doctor.
If the patient using Ruxolitinib forgets a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if the interval between the missed dose of Ruxolitinib and the next dose is close, the patient can skip the missed dose and take the next dose. It should be noted that the double dose of Ruxolitinib should not be used, because it may cause drug overdose and unwanted side effects that affect the patient's current health during treatment with Ruxolitinib.
In case the patient accidentally takes an overdose of Ruxolitinib than prescribed and has some signs of unwanted side effects, it is necessary to take the patient to an emergency at the nearest medical facility to receive treatment. timely medical support, and help the patient overcome the dangerous situation to ensure safety.

When using Ruxolitinib to treat diseases, there may be some unwanted side effects at different levels. Common side effects include: headache, dizziness, constipation, weight gain, bloating,...
Some notes when using Ruxolitinib
Before using Ruxolitinib, patients need to inform their doctor. treatment knowledge of previously used medications including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbs. That helps the doctor know the patient's drug use status and can give reasonable treatment advice. If you have anemia, infection or require dialysis, you should tell your doctor before starting treatment with Ruxolitinib. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the future, you should consult your doctor as well as analyze the possible benefits and risks before using Ruxolitinib. Patients should avoid using grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking Ruxolitinib, unless directed by the treating doctor. Because the ingredients in grapefruit can increase the risk of patients experiencing unwanted side effects. Hopefully, the sharing about Ruxolitinib will help you understand and get the safe use of the drug for your current condition. If in-depth consultation is required, the patient should discuss specifically with the treating doctor.

Reference source, reference: oncolink.org