Avapritinib Tablets

What is this medication?

AVAPRITINIB (A va PRI ti nib) treats gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). It may also be used to treat blood and bone marrow cancers. It works by blocking a protein that causes cancer cells to grow and multiply. This helps to slow or stop the spread of cancer cells.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): AYVAKIT

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Bleeding in the brain
  • Bulging or weak blood vessel wall
  • Liver disease
  • Low platelet levels
  • Stroke
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to avapritinib, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medication. Swallow the tablets whole. Take it on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Do not take this medication with grapefruit juice.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can unless it is less than 8 hours before the next dose. If it is less than 8 hours before the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take the next dose at the normal time.

What may interact with this medication?

  • Aprepitant
  • Bosentan
  • Certain antibiotics, such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin, troleandomycin
  • Certain antivirals for HIV or hepatitis
  • Certain medications for fungal infections, such as fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole
  • Certain medications for seizures, such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
  • Ciprofloxacin
  • Conivaptan
  • Cyclosporine
  • Diltiazem
  • Dronedarone
  • Fluvoxamine
  • Grapefruit juice
  • Nefazodone
  • Rifampin
  • St. John's wort
  • Verapamil

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. It may be some time before you see the benefit from this medication.

Be careful brushing or 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 medication.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgement. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

Talk to your care team if you or your partner wish to become pregnant or think either of you might be pregnant. This medication can cause serious birth defects if taken during pregnancy or for 6 weeks after the last dose. A negative pregnancy test is required before starting this medication. Do not father a child while taking this medication or for 6 weeks after the last dose. Use a condom while having sex during this time period. Talk to your care team about reliable forms of contraception.

Do not breast-feed while taking this medication and for 2 weeks after the last dose.

This medication may cause infertility. Talk to your care team if you are concerned about your fertility.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Bleeding in the brain—severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, dizziness, change in vision, numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, trouble walking, vomiting
  • Difficulty with paying attention, memory, or speech
  • Mood and behavior changes—anxiety, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, hostility, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding

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

  • Diarrhea
  • Increased tears
  • Nausea
  • Skin reactions on sun-exposed areas
  • Stomach pain
  • Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
  • Unusual weakness or fatigue

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

  • Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
  • If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

© 2024 Elsevier/Gold Standard (2023-06-21 00:00:00)


Additional Information From Chemocare.com About Avapritinib

Self-Care Tips

  • Take avapritinib exactly as your health care provider tells you to take it.
  • Do not change your dose or stop taking avapritinib unless your healthcare provider tells you to.
  • Your healthcare provider may change your dose, temporarily stop, or permanently stop treatment Ayvakit if you develop side effects.
  • Take avapritinib one time each day.
  • Take avapritinib tablet(s) on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or at least 2 hours after a meal.
  • If you miss a dose of avapritinib, take it as soon as your remember unless your next scheduled dose is due within 8 hours. Take the next dose at your regular time. Do not double up doses.
  • If you vomit after taking a dose of avapritinib, do not take an extra dose. Take your next dose at your next scheduled time.
  • Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you have confusion or trouble thinking during treatment with avapritinib.


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