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Qinlock is used to treat certain types of a cancer called gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). Common side effects include hair loss, tiredness, and nausea. Call your health care provider right away if you get skin problems, high blood pressure, or shortness of breath.

Uses

What is Qinlock used for?

Qinlock (ripretinib) is commonly used to treat certain types of a cancer called gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST).

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

How does Qinlock work (mechanism of action)?

Qinlock works by blocking kinase proteins that help certain cells grow. These proteins can have changes (mutations) that make them too active, leading to excess growth or tumors. Qinlock targets these proteins to help block the growth of cells that have these changes.

How is Qinlock supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Qinlock

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 50 mg oral tablets

How should I store Qinlock?

Qinlock should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place with the cap tightly closed. Quinlock comes with a desiccant packet in the container to protect it from moisture. Do not throw away the desiccant packet.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Qinlock?

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

  • Hair loss
  • Tiredness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Constipation
  • Muscle pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Decreased appetite
  • Hand-foot syndrome (see below)

There may be other side effects of Qinlock 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 Qinlock?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Qinlock may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Qinlock and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Hand-Foot Syndrome. Qinlock can cause hand-foot syndrome, also called palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome. The skin problem is common but can be severe. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Redness, swelling, blisters, bleeding, or pain on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet
  • Severe rash

Skin Cancer. Qinlock can cause a new skin cancer to develop. Keep all appointments with your health care provider while you are taking Qinlock, so they can check your skin. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Raised or scaly bumps
  • Sores that bleed or do not heal
  • Moles that change size, shape, or color

Increased Blood Pressure (Hypertension). Qinlock may increase your blood pressure or make it worse if you have a history of high blood pressure. Call your health care provider if your blood pressure increases while taking this medicine.

If you measure your blood pressure and the top number (systolic) is 180 mm Hg or higher or the bottom number (diastolic) is 120 mm Hg or higher, get medical attention right away. Increases in blood pressure may not be noticeable, but look out for and tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of severely high blood pressure.

  • Sudden severe headache
  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness or confusion
  • Trouble breathing
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Blurry or other changes to vision
  • Anxiety
  • Buzzing in the ears
  • Nosebleed
  • Feeling of skipped heartbeats

Heart Failure. Qinlock may increase your risk of heart failure. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of heart failure.

  • Shortness of breath or trouble breathing, especially while lying down
  • Swelling in your stomach, feet, ankles, or legs
  • Unusually fast weight gain
  • Unusual tiredness
  • Neck veins sticking out under your skin

Wound Healing Issues. Qinlock can make it difficult for your body to heal wounds. Tell your health care provider if you have any planned or emergency surgeries or if you have any injuries that occur while taking Qinlock.

Sensitivity to Sunlight. Your skin may be very sensitive to light from the sun and devices that give off similar light, such as sunlamps and tanning beds, while you are taking Qinlock. This is called photosensitivity. Use sunscreen and wear a hat and clothes that cover your skin if you need to be in the sunlight. Exposure to this kind of light, even for a short time, can cause your skin to be severely sunburned, blistered, or swollen. Tell your health care provider right away if any of these happen.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Qinlock?

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

  • Ripretinib
  • Qinlock
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about Qinlock before using it?

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

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

Keep Qinlock out of the reach of children.

If you are able to get your partner pregnant, use effective birth control while taking Qinlock and for one week after your last dose.

Qinlock may make it difficult for you to get your partner pregnant. If you have concerns, talk to your health care provider.

Take Qinlock tablets at the same time each day.

Swallow Qinlock tablets whole. Do not chew, cut, or crush Qinlock.

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

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 determine if Qinlock 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.

  • A skin problem called hand-foot syndrome, also called palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart failure or other heart problems
  • Recent or planned surgery

Other Medicines and Supplements. Qinlock may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Qinlock, 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. Qinlock may cause harm to a fetus. If you or your partner are able to get pregnant, use effective birth control while taking Qinlock and for one week after your last dose. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, contact your health care provider right away.

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

How can I get more information about Qinlock?

For more information about Qinlock, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.qinlock.com or call them at 888-724-3274.

Interactions

Does Qinlock interact with foods or drinks?

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

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Qinlock, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight cancer. Also, the risk of tiredness may increase if you drink alcohol while taking Qinlock.

Does Qinlock 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 Qinlock.

  • Itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura), which is a medicine used for fungal infections
  • Rifampin (Rifadin), which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis

Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of Qinlock 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 Qinlock. 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 Qinlock?

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

If you miss a dose and eight hours or less have passed, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses. 

If you vomit after taking a dose of Qinlock, do not take an extra dose. Take your next dose when you normally would.