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Overview: Inqovi is used to treat certain myelodysplastic syndromes. Common side effects include tiredness, constipation, and muscle or joint pain. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any unusual bruising or bleeding or symptoms of an infection, such as fever. These could be signs of a serious side effect. Inqovi is a tablet that is taken by mouth.

Uses

What is Inqovi used for?

Inqovi (decitabine/cedazuridine) is commonly used to treat certain myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), which are a group of conditions where your bone marrow does not make enough healthy blood cells.

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

How does Inqovi work (mechanism of action)?

Inqovi contains two medicines: decitabine and cedazuridine. Decitabine is a type of chemotherapy. It works by helping your bone marrow make normal blood cells and by destroying, or killing, blood cells that are not normal. Cedzuridine works by preventing decitabine from breaking down too quickly. This keeps decitabine active longer in the body, helping it work better and making it possible to take the medicine as a tablet instead of an injection.

How is Inqovi supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Inqovi

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 35 mg/100 mg oral tablets

How should I store Inqovi?

Inqovi 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. Keep Inqovi in its original packaging. Ask your pharmacist or another health care provider how to safely throw away any unused or expired Inqovi.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Inqovi?

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

  • Blood disorders (see below)
  • Tiredness
  • Constipation
  • Bleeding
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Sores in your mouth or throat
  • Nausea and decreased appetite
  • Shortness of breath
  • Diarrhea
  • Rash
  • Dizziness
  • Fluid retention
  • Headache
  • Cough
  • Infections (see below) 
  • Changes in liver function tests

There may be other side effects of Inqovi 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 Inqovi?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Inqovi may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Inqovi 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

Blood Disorders. Inqovi can cause blood disorders, such as low red blood cell levels (anemia), low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia), and low neutrophil levels (neutropenia). It may also cause a dangerous type of neutropenia where you also have fever, called febrile neutropenia. It is important to keep all appointments for blood tests to ensure Inqovi is safe for you. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.

  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pale or yellowish skin
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Frequent infection
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Headache
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat

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

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

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Inqovi?

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

  • Cedazuridine
  • Decitabine
  • Inqovi
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about Inqovi before using it?

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

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

Keep Inqovi out of the reach of children.

Inqovi should be taken on an empty stomach at about the same time every day, at least two hours before or after food. The tablets should be swallowed whole and should not be crushed, cut, or chewed.

It is important to attend all appointments for blood tests with your health care provider. They will use these tests to monitor your body’s response to Inqovi and make sure it is safe for you to continue taking the medicine.

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

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

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 Inqovi 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.

  • Liver problems
  • Kidney problems
  • Prior or current infection

Vaccines. Talk to your health care provider about any vaccines that you may need. You may not be able to receive certain vaccines right before or while taking Inqovi. Tell your health care provider about any vaccines you have recently received or have scheduled.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Inqovi may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Inqovi, 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. Inqovi may cause harm to a fetus. You should not be pregnant before starting Inqovi. If you can get pregnant, you should use effective birth control while taking Inqovi and for at least six months after your last dose. If you are able to get a partner pregnant, you should use effective birth control while taking Inqovi and for at least three months 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. It is not known if Inqovi passes into breast milk. Do not breastfeed while taking Inqovi and for two weeks after your last dose. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Inqovi?

For more information about Inqovi, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.inqovi.com or call them at 888-878-2446.

Interactions

Does Inqovi interact with foods or drinks?

Inqovi should be taken on an empty stomach and at least two hours before or two hours after food.

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

Does Inqovi 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.

Inqovi may alter the blood levels of some other medicines. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

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 Inqovi?

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

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember if it is within 12 hours of your usual time. Then take your next dose at the usual time. If it is less than 12 hours until 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 your dose of Inqovi, do not repeat that dose or take an extra dose. Instead, take your next dose at the usual time.