Description
Bosutinib is used to treat chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in individuals who have been recently diagnosed or who have failed conventional therapies. It is used majorly when other cancer treatment methods do not provide satisfactory results.
Leukemia is a form of cancer that causes the body to produce abnormal white blood cells. Abnormal growth of white blood cells in the body leads to cancer which affects the patient severely.
Bosutinib comes under the category of a kinase inhibitor drug. It inhibits the development of cancer cells, which are then killed by the body. It stops the signaling pathway of a protein that is required in the life cycle of the cancerous cells and hence prevents them from dividing rapidly. Because bosutinib may impair normal cell growth, various adverse effects may arise.
As bosutinib may impair normal cell growth, various adverse effects may arise. Before you begin therapy, speak with your doctor about the advantages of this medication as well as the dangers associated with its use.
How is it given?
Bosutinib comes in the form of tablets which are taken through the mouth. It is taken along with the food once a day. It is advised to take the medication at the same time every day. Take the medicine as prescribed to you. You can ask any questions that you might have to take the drug correctly.
Do not change the dose without consulting the doctor beforehand. Do not overdose, in case you missed a dose take one as soon as you remember but if it the already time for the next dose, miss the last dose.
Do not take the tablet in pieces and swallow it as a whole. While taking medicine, take it with a full glass of water.
Do not discontinue the dose without any prior consultation with the doctor. Your doctor might change or stop the treatment according to the severity of the cancer and the effectiveness of the drug on the cancer cells.
What are the common side effects of bosutinib?
There are many side effects of bosutinib which are commonly observed in patients who take bosutinib as a chemotherapy drug. These side effects can be controlled by medication and exercise depending upon the severity of symptoms.
Some of the common side effects of bosutinib that you might experience are:
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Tiredness or weakness or fatigue
- Change in ability to taste food
- Ringing in the ears
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Hair loss
- Weight loss
- Pain in body
There are many rare side effects as well as these common ones which can affect any patient. If you experience such side effects, contact your doctor immediately. It is advised to go to the hospital urgently if any of these symptoms get worse.
What are the precautions?
There are many precautions that one must keep in mind while taking bosutinib as a cancer treatment.
Most of these things are explained by any medical professional or doctor before the beginning of the treatment.
Some of the main precautions that every cancer patient taking bosutinib as chemotherapy must take are:
Tell your doctor beforehand about any other prescription medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal items you might be taking or going to take. Inform your doctor about any herbal supplements you are using in your day-to-day life to avoid any complications that might occur due to drug interaction with any such items.
If you use antacids, take them 2 hours before or after taking bosutinib.
If you are allergic to bosutinib or any of the substances in bosutinib tablets, inform your doctor and pharmacist. Request a list of the components from your pharmacist.
Discuss with your physician if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney, liver, or heart problems.
If you are pregnant or want to become pregnant, inform your doctor. If you are nursing, inform your doctor. Call your doctor if you become pregnant while taking bosutinib. Bosutinib may be harmful to the fetus. You should not breastfeed while taking bosutinib and for at least two weeks following your final dose.
These precautions along with other things should be taken care of to avoid any major complications. Ask your doctor if you have any other questions regarding your health.
