Ixempra
Generic name:ixabepilone [ IX-ab-EP-i-lone ]
Drug class:Mitotic inhibitors
What is Ixempra?
Ixempra is an injectable cancer medicine.
Ixempra is used to treat advanced breast cancer.
Ixempra is used alone or with another cancer medicine called capecitabine. Ixempra is usually given after other treatments have failed.
Warnings
You should not use Ixempra along with capecitabine if you have liver problems.
Do not use Ixempra if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. You should not receive Ixempra if you are allergic to ixabepilone, or to a medication ingredient called Cremophor (synthetic castor oil). You may not be able to receive Ixempra if you have severe liver disease, or severely low platelets or white blood cell counts.
Before you receive Ixempra, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, heart disease, nerve problems, diabetes, bone marrow suppression, or a weak immune system.
Ixabepilone can increase your risk of bleeding or infection. Call your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding, or new signs of infection (fever, chills, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, burning when you urinate).
Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection, such as fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, or sores in your mouth and throat. Avoid drinking alcohol during your treatment with Ixempra.
Before taking this medicine
You should not be treated with Ixempra if you are allergic to Cremophor (synthetic castor oil).
You may not be able to receive Ixempra if you have:
liver problems and are also taking capecitabine; or
low platelets or white blood cell counts.
To make sure Ixempra is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
heart disease;
nerve problems (especially in your hands or feet);
diabetes; or
bone marrow suppression or a weak immune system.
Ixabepilone may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant.
You should not breastfeed while using Ixempra.
How is Ixempra given?
Ixempra is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Ixempra is usually given every 3 weeks.
Ixempra must be given slowly, and the infusion can take up to 3 hours to complete.
About 1 hour before you receive Ixempra, 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.
