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Uses

What is Vonjo used for?

Vonjo (pacritinib) is commonly used to treat certain types of a blood cancer called myelofibrosis (MF).

Learn more about how Vonjo treats myelofibrosis.

Vonjo may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Vonjo work (mechanism of action)?

Vonjo is a type of medicine known as a kinase inhibitor. It acts on several types of kinases, including Janus associated kinase 2 (JAK2). Janus associated kinases (JAKs) are proteins that become overactive in myelofibrosis. The JAKs can cause your body to make blood cells that are not healthy, leading to myelofibrosis. Vonjo blocks the action of JAK2 to slow down the creation of blood cells that are not normal. 

How is Vonjo supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Vonjo

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 100 mg oral capsules

How should I store Vonjo?

Vonjo should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep Vonjo in the original bottle with the lid closed tightly to protect the medicine from light.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Vonjo?

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

  • Diarrhea (see below)
  • Low platelet levels (see below)
  • Nausea
  • Low red blood cell levels (anemia)
  • Fluid retention in the arms and legs

There may be other side effects of Vonjo that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare 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. 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 Vonjo?

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

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

Severe Bleeding. Vonjo can increase your risk of severe bleeding that can lead to death. Some people with serious bleeding may need a blood transfusion or surgery. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following signs of severe bleeding while taking Vonjo.

  • Unusual bleeding
  • Bruising
  • Fever
  • Pink, red, or brown urine (pee)
  • Vomit with blood that looks like coffee grounds
  • Red or black stools (looks like tar)
  • Coughing up blood or blood clots

Diarrhea. Diarrhea is common with Vonjo. Your healthcare provider will tell you how to take this medicine to lessen the effect of diarrhea. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop diarrhea or if you have more than two bowel movements in one day. If you are given medicine to prevent or treat diarrhea, take it exactly as your healthcare provider tells you. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following.

  • Severe diarrhea
  • Diarrhea that does not go away
  • Diarrhea with weakness, dizziness, or fever

Severely Low Platelet Levels. Vonjo can cause you to have a severely low number of platelets in your blood, also called thrombocytopenia. Platelets help to form blood clots. Having a low level of platelets may increase your risk of bleeding. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of low platelet levels.

  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Bleeding that does not stop
  • Nosebleeds

Heart Rhythm Changes. Vonjo may cause a rare, dangerous heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation and torsade de pointes. Some people have a higher risk of this, including people who are older, have other people in their family who have had these conditions, have low potassium or magnesium levels, or who take medicines that can prolong the QT interval. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you faint or have changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast or skipping heartbeat.

Infections. Vonjo can increase your risk of infections, including serious infections. Call your healthcare 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 Vonjo?

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

  • Vonjo
  • Pacritinib
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

Drug Interactions. Vonjo should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking Vonjo, tell your healthcare 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.

What should I know about Vonjo before using it?

Do not take Vonjo unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

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

Keep Vonjo out of the reach of children.

Swallow Vonjo whole. Do not open, break, or chew the capsules. 

Attend all appointments with your healthcare provider so they can do blood tests to make sure Vonjo is safe for you to take. 

Do not stop taking Vonjo without talking to your healthcare provider. If you need to stop taking Vonjo, your healthcare provider will give you instructions on how to stop the medicine.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Vonjo?

Tell your healthcare 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 Vonjo is right for you.

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

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

  • Smoke or have previously smoked
  • Heart problems, including blood clots, heart attacks, or a stroke
  • Previously had any other cancer
  • Infection
  • Diarrhea or commonly have loose stools
  • Nausea or vomiting 
  • Bleeding
  • Liver problems
  • Kidney problems

Rheumatoid Arthritis. Some people with rheumatoid arthritis who took another medicine that is very similar to Vonjo had an increased risk of new cancers and of heart problems, including a heart attack, blood clots, and stroke. Tell your healthcare provider if you have rheumatoid arthritis or take any medicines for rheumatoid arthritis. 

Planned Surgery. If you have a planned surgery, talk with your healthcare provider. Vonjo can increase your risk for serious bleeding and will need to be stopped at least seven days before certain surgeries. Talk with your healthcare provider before you stop taking Vonjo. 

Pregnancy. It is unknown if Vonjo may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. 

Infertility. Vonjo may cause fertility problems in people who were assigned male at birth. Talk with your healthcare provider if this is a concern for you. 

Breastfeeding. Do not take Vonjo while you are breastfeeding and for at least two weeks after your last dose. It is not known if Vonjo passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Vonjo?

For more information about Vonjo, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.vonjo.com or call them at 888-284-8084.

Interactions

Does Vonjo interact with foods or drinks?

Grapefruit interacts with Vonjo. It is important to avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking Vonjo. This is because grapefruit can interfere with your body’s ability to break down Vonjo, which can lead to high levels of the medicine and an increased risk of side effects. 

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Vonjo, but both Vonjo and alcohol can increase your risk of bleeding. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Does Vonjo interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

If you take other medicines that can cause QT prolongation, which is a potentially dangerous heart rhythm problem, it can increase your risk of serious heart problems with Vonjo. There are many medicines that may cause QT prolongation. Some examples include clarithromycin (an antibiotic), ondansetron (a medicine commonly used to prevent nausea and vomiting), or a medicine used to control your heart rate or rhythm (an antiarrhythmic, such as amiodarone or sotalol).

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

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Vonjo. Always check with your healthcare 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 Vonjo?

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

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

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