Ixabepilone (ix-ab-EP-i-lone)

Treats breast cancer.

Brand Name(s):

Ixempra

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through an IV placed in a vein. It must be given slowly, so the needle will have to remain in place for at least 3 hours.
• You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• You may receive other medicines (including stomach medicine, allergy medicine, steroid medicine) at least 1 hour before receiving this medicine to help prevent unwanted reactions.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how ixabepilone works. Tell your doctor if you are using ketoconazole or rifampin.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. If you are a woman who can get pregnant, your doctor may give you a pregnancy test before you start receiving this medicine to make sure you are not pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for at least 7 months after the last dose. Male patients with female partners should use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for at least 4 months after the last dose.
• Do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 2 weeks after the last dose.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, nerve problems, or a history of heart disease.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Nerve problems, including peripheral neuropathy
  • Heart problems
• This medicine contains alcohol, which may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
• This medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.
• Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Chest pain that may spread, trouble breathing, nausea, unusual sweating, faintness
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches, burning pain while urinating
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
• Pain, scaling, redness, tenderness, or sores on your hands and feet
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Bone, joint, or muscle pain
• Constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain
• Hair loss, change in color of your fingernails or toenails
• Loss of appetite, weight loss
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed
• Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088