Download 882 Idelalisib - Velindre Cancer Centre

Information leaflet on idelalisib
This leaflet provides information on a course of treatment
called idelalisib. The leaflet will explain what this is and
when and how it will be given. It will also tell you about
common side effects that you may experience. Contact
telephone numbers are given at the end of the leaflet.
What is idelalisib?
Idelalisib is an anti cancer drug. It is not chemotherapy. It
works by slowing down or stopping the cancer’s growth.
Idelalisib is a cancer treatment which is given as tablets.
How often will I see the specialist team?
You will see the specialist team at regular intervals. You will
have regular blood tests and we will check how you are
feeling and discuss any problems you may have. This is so
we can check how the treatment is affecting you.
How should I take the idelalisib tablets?
Idelalisib tablets should be taken once a day. Try to take
them at approximately the same time every day. You can
take the tablets with or without food. The tablets should be
swallowed whole with a glass of water. They must not be
chewed or crushed.
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How many idelalisib tablets will I need to take?
It is usual to take one 150mg tablet daily but sometimes
your doctor may alter the dose. The amount you need to
take will be clearly marked on the box.
What should I do if I forget to take my tablets?
 If it’s within 6 hours of the normal time take them now.
 If it’s more than 6 hours late, miss this dose.
What if I take too many tablets?
Please contact Velindre Cancer Centre immediately for
advice. The telephone number is on page 6. Please ask for
the chemotherapy pager.
How should I store the tablets?
Your tablets should be stored in their original packaging and
in a safe place away from children. They should be kept in a
cool dry place (below 25oC).
Any unused tablets should be returned to the hospital
Pharmacy or your local chemist for safe disposal.
What are the possible side effects?
This treatment is usually well tolerated but there are some
possible side effects that you need to be aware of. The
doctors, nurses and pharmacists can give you advice or
answer any questions you may have.
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Diarrhoea
You may have diarrhoea with this treatment. If this occurs it
is important that you drink plenty of fluids. If you have 4
episodes of diarrhoea in 24 hours, please contact Velindre
Cancer Centre immediately. The telephone number is on
page 5. We may have to stop your treatment.
Skin problems
Some patients will develop dry skin or a rash. Usually this
can be easily treated with some non perfumed cream or
lotion. Very rarely this rash can be severe. If the rash is
severe you should stop taking your tablets and telephone
Velindre Cancer Centre immediately for advice. The
telephone number is on page 5.
Infection
You are at an increased risk of picking up infections
because your white blood cells which help fight infections
can be reduced by this treatment. Contact Velindre Cancer
Centre immediately if you develop any signs of infection, for
example flu like symptoms or a temperature above
37.5°centigrade. The telephone number is on page 5.
Sickness
Idelalisib sometimes causes nausea. We will give you anti
sickness tablets to take if you need them. If you are sick
more than once in 24 hours despite taking regular antisickness medicine, contact Velindre Cancer Centre for
advice. The telephone number is on page 5.
Other side effects and information
Very rarely some people having idelalisib may experience
breathing problems caused by the tablets. If you notice new
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breathing problems or shortness of breath, please contact
your doctor or specialist nurse. You will be monitored at
regular clinic visits.
You will need to have your bloods checked on occasions to
monitor your liver function.
It is important you do not become pregnant or father a child
whilst having treatment or for at least 1 month afterwards.
This is because it is unknown if idelalisib could damage the
unborn baby. It is important not to breastfeed whilst taking
the medication
Is it alright to take other medicines?
If you are taking other medicines please let your doctor,
nurse or pharmacist know. There are a small number of
medicines that you may have to avoid. These include St.
John’s Wort.
Sometimes cancer drugs can have very serious side effects
which rarely can be life threatening. It is important to inform
Velindre cancer centre if you are concerned about any sideeffects.
A diagnosis of cancer can increase your risk of developing a
blood clot (thrombosis), and having cancer treatment may
increase this risk further. It is important to tell your doctor
immediately if you have symptoms such as pain, redness
and swelling in your leg, or breathlessness and chest pain.
Blood clots can be very serious. However, most clots can
usually be successfully treated with drugs to thin the blood.
Your doctor or nurse can give you more information
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Manufacturer’s patient information leaflets
Velindre leaflets provide information about very common
and common side-effects: for more information regarding
the less common side-effects please refer to the
manufacturers patient information leaflets, obtained from
Velindre pharmacy and/or on the internet at
www.medicines.org.uk. Sometimes patients may find these
leaflets difficult to read however. Please ask if you would
like a copy from your doctor or from Velindre pharmacy
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Contact telephone numbers
Velindre Cancer Centre
029 2061 5888
For urgent advice at any time of the day or night please ask
for the chemotherapy pager
Pharmacy department
029 2061 5888 ext 6223
Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm for queries about your
medicines
Tenovus freephone
0808 808 1010
cancer helpline
7 days a week 8am – 8pm for general queries on cancer
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This leaflet was written by health professionals. The
information contained in this leaflet is evidence based. It
has been approved by doctors, nurses and patients. It is
reviewed and updated every 2 years.
Prepared April 2015
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