uses
What is Ixempra used for?Ixempra (ixabepilone) is commonly used to treat breast cancer, usually when certain other medicines have not worked or stopped working. Ixempra may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.How does Ixempra work (mechanism of action)?Ixempra is a chemotherapy medicine. It works by attaching to microtubules, which are parts inside cells that help cancer cells divide and make new cancer cells. By disrupting this process, Ixempra can stop cancer cells from dividing and cause the cells to die. This can stop or slow down the growth and spread of cancer.How is Ixempra supplied (dosage forms)?Brands and other namesIxabepiloneIxempraDosage forms and strengthsIxempra is available in an injectable form that is given by a healthcare provider.How should I store Ixempra?Ixempra is given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.
how to use
liquid that is injected into a blood vessel
drug interactions
Does Ixempra interact with foods or drinks?Do not drink grapefruit juice while using Ixempra. Grapefruit juice can raise the blood levels of Ixempra, which increases the risk of side effects from Ixempra.Ixempra contains alcohol. The risk of side effects may be increased if you drink alcohol while using Ixempra.Does Ixempra interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Ixempra.Ketoconazole, which is a medicine used for fungal infectionsRifampin (Rifadin), which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosisMany other medicines may alter the blood levels of Ixempra. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Ixempra. Always check with your healthcare provider.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of Ixempra?The most common side effects of Ixempra are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.Nerve problems (see below)Bone marrow suppression (see below)Tiredness or weaknessMuscle or joint painHair lossNausea and vomitingMouth or lip soresDiarrheaSkin reactions on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet (hand-foot syndrome)Loss of appetiteStomach painNail problemsConstipationThese side effects may vary depending which other treatments you are receiving along with Ixempra. There may be other side effects of Ixempra that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of Ixempra?While less common, the most serious side effects of Ixempra are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Severe Allergic Reactions. Ixempra may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heartFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatTrouble swallowing or throat tightnessItching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hivesNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint painNerve Problems. Nerves are the fibers that carry sensations from your body to the brain. Damage to these nerves, called peripheral neuropathy, can happen in people who are using Ixempra. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop the following symptoms in your arms, hands, legs, or feet. PainTingling, prickling, or burning sensationNumbnessWeakness Bone Marrow Suppression. Ixempra may cause your bone marrow to not make enough cells. This can lead to low blood levels of important cells, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This may also cause low levels of a type of white blood cell called neutrophils (neutropenia). Neutrophils help prevent infection. Having a low level of neutrophils may increase your risk of infection. Call your healthcare provider or get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of bone marrow suppression.Fever or chillsSore throat, cough, or shortness of breathSwollen lymph nodesPale or yellowish skinEasy bruising or bleedingUnusual weakness or tirednessDizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass outFast or abnormal heartbeatHeart Effects. Ixempra may cause heart problems, such as reduced blood flow to the heart and abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia). Call your healthcare provider or get medical attention right away if you have chest pain, trouble breathing, feeling of skipped heartbeats, or unusual weight gain.
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Ixempra?If you or someone else has used too much Ixempra, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of Ixempra?Ixempra is given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. If you miss an appointment to get your Ixempra dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use Ixempra?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Ixempra.IxabepiloneIxempraAny medicine that contains an ingredient called polyoxyethylated castor oilAny of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Ixempra.Low Blood Cells. Ixempra should not be used if you have very low levels of certain blood cells, including neutrophils and platelets. Having low neutrophils raises your risk of infections, and having low platelets increases your risk of bleeding. Using Ixempra could make blood cell problems worse. Your healthcare provider will do blood tests to determine if you can use this medicine. Liver Problems. Ixempra should not be used if you have certain liver problems and are also taking a cancer medicine called capecitabine. If there is a concern about the health of your liver, your healthcare provider will do tests to determine if it is working well enough to use these medicines.What should I know about Ixempra before using it?Ixempra will be given to you by a healthcare provider in a hospital, clinic, or infusion center.You will likely receive other medicines while you are receiving treatment with Ixempra. It is important to use all medicines exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.Ixempra contains alcohol and can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination after receiving a dose of Ixempra.Ixempra may make it difficult for you to get pregnant or get your partner pregnant. If you have concerns, talk to your healthcare provider.Keep all appointments with your healthcare provider, including appointments for blood tests.What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Ixempra?Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Ixempra is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Other Medicines and Supplements. Ixempra may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Ixempra, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.Liver problemsHeart problemsNerve problemsDiabetesPregnancy. Ixempra may cause harm to an unborn baby. If you are able to become pregnant, your healthcare provider will confirm that you are not pregnant before you start Ixempra treatment. Tell your healthcare provider if you or your partner is pregnant or planning to become pregnant. If you can become pregnant, it is recommended to use birth control during Ixempra treatment and for seven months after your last dose. If your partner can become pregnant, use birth control (such as condoms) during Ixempra treatment and for four months after your last dose. Breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while you are receiving treatment with Ixempra and for two weeks after your last dose. It is not known if Ixempra passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. How can I get more information about Ixempra?For more information about Ixempra, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.ixempra.com or call them at 866-309-0312.
about
Ixempra is used to treat breast cancer. It helps stop cancer cells from dividing and making new cells. The most common side effects are muscle or joint pain, nausea and vomiting, tiredness, loss of appetite, nail problems, and hair loss. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have pain or tingling in your arms, hands, legs, or feet, fever or chills, trouble breathing, or chest pain. Ixempra is given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic.