Zydelig

Generic name:idelalisib [ eye-DEL-a-LIS-ib ]
Drug class:PI3K inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Dec 7, 2020.

What is Zydelig?

Zydelig is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Zydelig is used together with rituximab (Rituxan) to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and certain types of lymphoma.

Zydelig is sometimes given after at least two other cancer treatments did not work or have stopped working.

Zydelig was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on an "accelerated" basis to treat lymphoma. In clinical studies, some people responded to this medicine, but further studies are needed.

Warnings

Zydelig can cause serious harm to your liver, lungs, or intestines. Some of these conditions may lead to fatal complications. Call your doctor right away if you have: upper stomach pain, easy bruising or bleeding, dark urine, yellowing of your skin or eyes, cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, fever, chills, worsening stomach pain, or vomiting.

You may have severe or life-threatening diarrhea while taking Zydelig. Tell your doctor at once if your daily bowel movements increase by 6 or more. Zydelig can also cause a perforation (a hole or tear) in your intestines. Call your doctor at once if you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, if you have bloody or tarry stools, or if you cough up blood that looks like coffee grounds.

Before taking this medicine

You may not be able to use Zydelig if you have ever had a serious skin reaction to any medicine.

To make sure Zydelig is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease;

• lung disease; or

• a perforation (a hole or tear) in your intestines.

Idelalisib can harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is using this medicine.

• If you are a woman, do not use Zydelig if you are pregnant. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 1 month after your last dose.

• If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose.

• Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using Zydelig.

Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 1 month after your last dose.

Zydelig is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take Zydelig?

Zydelig is usually taken twice per day. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all me...