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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. 1 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. 2 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 3 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 4 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 5 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 6 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 7