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Iwilfin is used for certain people with high-risk neuroblastoma, a cancer that affects the nervous system. It works by blocking a cell signal that contributes to uncontrolled tumor growth. Common side effects include infections and diarrhea. Call your health care provider right away if you have shortness of breath, fast or unusual heartbeat, unusual tiredness, severe stomach pain, fever, hearing loss, or unusual bleeding or bruising.

Uses

What is Iwilfin used for?

Iwilfin (eflornithine) is commonly used for certain people with high-risk neuroblastoma, a cancer that affects the nervous system.

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

How does Iwilfin work (mechanism of action)?

Cancers such as neuroblastoma usually start when certain cells in the body start growing and multiplying uncontrollably due to mutations. These abnormal cells can grow into a mass called a tumor. Iwilfin helps in suppressing tumor growth by stopping a specific cellular signal (enzyme) that contributes to uncontrolled growth and division of tumor cells.

How is Iwilfin supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Iwilfin

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 192 mg oral tablets

How should I store Iwilfin?

Iwilfin 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 Iwilfin?

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

  • Hearing loss (see below)
  • Ear infection
  • Fever
  • Pneumonia
  • Diarrhea
  • Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms
  • Vomiting

There may be other side effects of Iwilfin 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 Iwilfin?

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

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

Bone Marrow Suppression. Iwilfin may cause your bone marrow to not make enough cells. This can lead to low blood levels of important cells, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and neutrophils. Bone marrow suppression can lead to infections or bleeding. This can be serious or even life-threatening. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of bone marrow suppression.

  • Fever or chills
  • 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

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking Iwilfin. Keep all of your appointments to have your blood checked. 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)

Hearing Loss. Iwilfin may be associated with hearing loss, which is also called ototoxicity. Tell your health care provider right away if you have hearing loss or worsening hearing loss or if you hear a ringing or roaring sound in your ears.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Iwilfin?

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

  • Eflornithine
  • Iwilfin
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about Iwilfin before using it?

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

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

Keep Iwilfin out of the reach of children.

If you cannot swallow the tablets whole, they may be chewed or crushed and mixed with two tablespoons of soft food or liquid. If you crush and mix the tablets, make sure you eat the entire mixture within one hour of mixing. If any tablet pieces or particles remain, you can mix them again with an additional small amount (no more than one ounce or 30 milliliters) of soft food or liquid to finish the dose.

If you can get pregnant or get a partner pregnant, use birth control when you take this medicine and for one week after your last dose. See the Pregnancy section for more information.

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

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 Iwilfin 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.

  • Kidney problems
  • Liver problems
  • Hearing problems

Pregnancy. Iwilfin may cause harm to a fetus. Tell your health care provider right away if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop taking Iwilfin right away and contact your health care provider. 

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

How can I get more information about Iwilfin?

For more information about Iwilfin, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.iwilfin.com or call them at 866-750-8796.

Interactions

Does Iwilfin interact with foods or drinks?

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

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Iwilfin.

Does Iwilfin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Iwilfin and other medicines. 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.

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 Iwilfin?

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

If you miss a dose and there are more than seven hours left until the next scheduled dose, take it as soon as you remember. If there are seven hours or less remaining before the 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, do not take an additional dose to make up for it. Take the next dose as scheduled.