ixabepilone

What is the most important information I should know about ixabepilone?

What is ixabepilone?

Ixabepilone is used to treat advanced breast cancer.

Ixabepilone is usually given after other treatments have failed.

Ixabepilone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving ixabepilone?

You may not be able to receive ixabepilone if you have:

• liver problems and are also taking capecitabine; or
• low platelets or white blood cell counts.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease;
• heart disease;
• nerve problems (especially in your hands or feet);
• diabetes; or
• bone marrow suppression or a weak immune system.

How is ixabepilone given?

Ixabepilone is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Ixabepilone is usually given every 3 weeks.

Ixabepilone must be given slowly, and the infusion can take up to 3 hours to complete.

About 1 hour before you receive ixabepilone, you may be given other medications to help prevent certain side effects.

Ixabepilone can increase your risk of bleeding or infection. You will need frequent medical tests. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

Since this medicine is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid while receiving ixabepilone?

Grapefruit may interact with ixabepilone and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

What are the possible side effects of ixabepilone?

• numbness, tingling, burning pain, discomfort, or loss of feeling anywhere in your body;
• pain or burning when you urinate;
• unusual weight gain;
• pain, blisters, bleeding, or severe rash on the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet;
• chest pain, difficult breathing;
• pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
• low blood cell counts --fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath; or
• signs of a blood clot --sudden numbness or weakness, problems with vision or speech, swelling or redness in an arm or leg.

Common side effects may include:

• blisters or severe rash on the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet;
• headache;
• tiredness;
• joint or muscle pain;
• lip, mouth, and esophagus sores;
• hair loss;
• fever;
• anemia, decreased platelets;
• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite;
• diarrhea, constipation; or
• problems with your fingernails or toenails.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect ixabepilone?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Many drugs can affect ixabepilone. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about ixabepilone.