8 mins read

Overview: Zydelig is used to treat a certain type of blood cancer. It is a kinase inhibitor that helps stop cancer cells from growing. Common side effects include diarrhea, fever, tiredness, rash, cough, and nausea. Zydelig may also cause serious side effects, including liver problems, severe diarrhea, infections, skin reactions, or lung inflammation. Tell your health care provider right away if you have yellowing of your skin or eyes, new or worsening stomach pain, or a fever or any signs of infection. Keep all appointments for blood tests while you are taking Zydelig.

Uses

What is Zydelig used for?

Zydelig (idelalisib) is commonly used to treat certain people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), which is a type of blood cancer.

Zydelig may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Zydelig work (mechanism of action)?

Zydelig is a type of medicine called a kinase inhibitor. Kinases are proteins in the body that send and receive signals to help cells grow and work properly. Zydelig blocks a kinase called phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). PI3K is overactive in some blood cancers and sends signals to help cancer cells grow and survive. By blocking PI3K, Zydelig helps stop cancer cells from growing and may kill them.

How is Zydelig supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Zydelig

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 100 mg oral tablets
  • 150 mg oral tablets

How should I store Zydelig?

Zydelig should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 86 F (20 C and 30 C). It can be exposed to temperatures as low as 59 F (15 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep the medicine in its original container.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Zydelig?

The most common side effects of Zydelig are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Diarrhea (see below)
  • Pneumonia
  • Fever
  • Tiredness
  • Rash
  • Cough
  • Nausea
  • Low neutrophil levels (see below)
  • Changes in liver function tests, which may be a sign of liver damage (see below)

There may be other side effects of Zydelig that are not listed here. Contact your health care 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 (800-332-1088). 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 Zydelig?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Zydelig are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Zydelig may cause allergic reactions, including a specific type of allergic reaction called DRESS. DRESS stands for drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms. It is also sometimes called multiorgan hypersensitivity. This is a reaction that can affect multiple parts of the body, including your liver, kidneys, and heart. Stop taking the medicine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Shortness of breath, trouble swallowing, or throat tightness
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain
  • Dark-colored pee
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking Zydelig. This can be serious or life-threatening. Keep all appointments for blood tests before starting and while taking Zydelig. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
  • Easy bruising or bleeding

Diarrhea. Diarrhea is common with Zydelig, but it can sometimes be severe or life-threatening. Zydelig may also increase the risk of inflammation of your large intestine (colitis). If you are given medicine to prevent or treat diarrhea, take it exactly as told to you by your health care provider. Call your health care provider right away if the number of bowel movements you have in a day goes up by six or more.

Lung Inflammation. Zydelig can cause inflammation in your lungs, also called interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis. This can be serious or even life-threatening. Call your health care provider right away if you have a new or worsening cough, trouble breathing, shortness of breath, or wheezing.

Infections. Zydelig can increase your risk of infections, including serious or life-threatening infections. Call your health care provider right away if you have an infection or any of the following symptoms.

  • Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
  • Burning or stinging when you pee
  • Coughing, or coughing up blood
  • Shortness of breath
  • Diarrhea or stomach pain
  • Weight loss

Gut Tear or Hole. Zydelig can increase your risk of a tear or hole (perforation) in your gut, which can be serious or life-threatening. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • New, worsening, or severe stomach pain 
  • Fever or chills
  • Nausea or vomiting

Severe Skin Reactions. Zydelig can commonly cause a rash, but it can also cause severe skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), that can lead to death if not treated. If you get a rash, call your health care provider right away. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of SJS or TEN.

  • Painful skin that looks burned and peels off
  • Flat rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
  • Red, painful, watery eyes
  • Flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, and muscle aches

Low Neutrophil Levels (Neutropenia). Zydelig may cause low levels of a type of white blood cell (called neutrophils), which is known as neutropenia. Neutrophils help prevent infection. Having a low level of neutrophils may increase your risk of infection. Keep all appointments for blood tests. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low neutrophil levels.

  • Fever, chills, or sweats
  • Tiredness
  • Sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath
  • Mouth or throat sores
  • Swollen lymph nodes

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Zydelig?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Zydelig.

  • Idelalisib
  • Zydelig
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Zydelig.

Past Severe Skin Reaction. Zydelig should not be taken if you have had a severe skin reaction called toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) in the past after taking any medicine. Tell your health care provider about any medicine reactions you have had in the past before starting Zydelig.

What should I know about Zydelig before using it?

Do not take Zydelig unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Zydelig with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Zydelig out of the reach of children.

Swallow Zydelig whole.

Keep all appointments, including for blood tests, with your health care provider. This will help them make sure it is safe for you to keep taking this medicine.

Your health care provider may tell you to take other medicines while you are taking Zydelig. Take these medicines exactly as recommended by your health care provider. Follow any instructions from your health care provider about how to manage side effects from Zydelig.

If you can get your partner pregnant, you should use effective birth control while taking Zydelig and for three months after your last dose. See the Pregnancy section for more details.

People who are 65 or older can be at greater risk of some side effects from Zydelig. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Zydelig?

Tell your health care 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 know if Zydelig is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • An infection
  • Breathing or lung problems
  • Liver problems

Other Medicines and Supplements. Zydelig may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Zydelig, tell your health care 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.

Pregnancy. Zydelig may cause harm to a fetus. Your health care provider may do a test to make sure you are not pregnant before starting Zydelig. If you can get pregnant, you should use effective birth control while you are taking Zydelig and for one month after your last dose. Tell your health care provider right away if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while you are taking Zydelig and for one month after your last dose. It is not known if Zydelig passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Zydelig?

For more information about Zydelig, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.zydelig.com or call them at 800-445-3235.

Interactions

Does Zydelig interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Zydelig and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Zydelig, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight cancer.

Does Zydelig interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care 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 taking Zydelig.

  • Itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura), ketoconazole, posaconazole (Noxafil), or voriconazole (Vfend), which are medicines used for fungal infections
  • Rifampin (Rifadin) or rifapentine (Priftin), which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
  • A medicine for HIV or AIDS
  • St. John’s wort, which is a supplement that may be used for depression
  • Any medicine for seizures, such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, or phenytoin
  • Any other medicine that can cause liver damage, such as certain over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, antibiotics, or antifungal medicines
  • Any other medicine that may cause diarrhea

Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of Zydelig, and vice versa. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Zydelig. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Zydelig?

If you or someone else has used too much Zydelig, 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 Zydelig?

If you miss a dose by less than six hours, take it as soon as you remember. Then, take your next dose at the regular scheduled time. If you miss a dose by more than six hours, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Look up another drug