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Overview: Rezlidhia is used to treat certain types of acute myeloid leukemia, which is a type of blood cancer. Common side effects include nausea, general feeling of being unwell or tired, joint pain, constipation, and diarrhea. Keep all appointments to get your blood checked while taking Rezlidhia. Call your health care provider help right away if you get a fever, cough, dizziness, severe stomach pain, vomiting, or any unusual swelling. Get emergency help if you have trouble breathing or reduced urine (pee).

Uses

What is Rezlidhia used for?

Rezlidhia (olutasidenib) is commonly used to treat certain types of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which is a type of blood cancer that starts in your bone marrow.

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

How does Rezlidhia work (mechanism of action)?

Some cancers have an enzyme that is not normal. Rezlidhia inhibits the abnormal enzyme, which leads to a lower amount of a natural substance. Lower amounts of this substance help certain cells called myeloid cells to develop normally. Your health care provider can run a test to see if your cancer may respond to Rezlidhia.

How is Rezlidhia supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Rezlidhia

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 150 mg oral capsules

How should I store Rezlidhia?

Rezlidhia 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.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Rezlidhia?

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

  • Nausea or stomach pain
  • General feeling of being unwell, tired, or not having your usual energy
  • Joint pain
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fever
  • Rash
  • Mouth sores

There may be other side effects of Rezlidhia 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 Rezlidhia?

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

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

Differentiation Syndrome. Rezlidhia can cause a dangerous and sometimes life-threatening problem called differentiation syndrome. This syndrome happens when you have a large increase in myeloid cells and may happen a day after you start this medicine or up to 18 months later. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms. 

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Trouble breathing
  • Not urinating (peeing) as much as usual
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Quickly gaining weight
  • Swelling of your arms or legs

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking Rezlidhia. Keep all appointments for your blood tests. 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)

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Rezlidhia?

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

  • Olutasidenib
  • Rezlidhia
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about Rezlidhia before using it?

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

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

Keep Rezlidhia out of the reach of children.

Take Rezlidhia around the same time each day.

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

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

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 Rezlidhia 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 or had any liver problems.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Rezlidhia may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Rezlidhia, 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. Rezlidhia may cause harm to a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Rezlidhia passes into breast milk. Do not breastfeed while you are taking Rezlidhia 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 Rezlidhia?

For more information about Rezlidhia, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.rezlidhia.com or call them at 800-983-1329.

Interactions

Does Rezlidhia interact with foods or drinks?

Food may increase your risk for certain side effects. Rezlidhia should be taken on an empty stomach, which means at least one hour before or two hours after a meal. Do not take Rezlidhia within one hour before meals or within two hours after meals.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Rezlidhia, 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 Rezlidhia.

Does Rezlidhia 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 taking rifampin (Rifadin), which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis.

Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of Rezlidhia, 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 Rezlidhia. 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 Rezlidhia?

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

If you miss a dose of Rezlidhia, take it as soon as possible, as long as your next scheduled dose is more than eight hours away. Do not take two doses of Rezlidhia within eight hours. Return to your normal schedule the next day. Do not take double or extra doses.

If you vomit after taking Rezlidhia, do not take another dose. Take your next dose at your usual time.