Zydelig
Zydelig (idelalisib) is a prescription medication primarily used in the treatment of certain types of blood cancers. It belongs to a class of drugs known as kinase inhibitors, specifically targeting a pathway crucial for cancer cell growth and survival.
Key Takeaways
- Zydelig is a targeted therapy for specific blood cancers, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), follicular lymphoma (FL), and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL).
- It works by inhibiting phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) delta, a protein involved in the proliferation and survival of B-cells.
- Common side effects can include diarrhea, fever, and nausea, while serious risks involve liver toxicity, severe diarrhea/colitis, and infections.
- Patients should be closely monitored for adverse reactions and adhere strictly to prescribing information.
- A comprehensive Zydelig drug information patient guide is essential for understanding its proper use and potential risks.
What is Zydelig and What is it Used For?
Zydelig is an oral medication approved for treating specific types of B-cell blood cancers. It is not a chemotherapy in the traditional sense but rather a targeted therapy that interferes with particular pathways within cancer cells. The primary conditions for which what is Zydelig used for include:
- Relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), in combination with rituximab, for patients for whom rituximab alone would be considered appropriate therapy due to other co-morbidities.
- Relapsed follicular lymphoma (FL) in patients who have received at least two prior systemic therapies.
- Relapsed small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) in patients who have received at least two prior systemic therapies.
Its use is typically reserved for patients who have not responded to other treatments or whose disease has returned after initial therapy. The decision to use Zydelig is made by a healthcare professional based on the individual patient’s specific diagnosis and medical history.
How Does Zydelig Work?
How does Zydelig work involves a targeted approach at the molecular level. Zydelig is a phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) delta inhibitor. PI3K delta is an enzyme that plays a critical role in the signaling pathways of B-cells, which are a type of white blood cell. In certain lymphomas and leukemias, this pathway can become overactive, leading to uncontrolled growth and survival of cancerous B-cells.
By inhibiting PI3K delta, Zydelig disrupts these crucial signaling pathways within the malignant B-cells. This action helps to induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in the cancer cells and inhibits their proliferation, thereby reducing the tumor burden and slowing the progression of the disease. This targeted mechanism helps to spare healthy cells to a greater extent than traditional chemotherapy, though it still carries significant risks.
Zydelig Side Effects and Warnings
Like all medications, Zydelig can cause side effects, some of which can be serious. Patients taking Zydelig must be closely monitored by their healthcare provider. Understanding Zydelig side effects and warnings is crucial for safe treatment.
Common side effects often include:
- Diarrhea or colitis
- Fever
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Rash
- Abdominal pain
More serious side effects and warnings associated with Zydelig can include:
| Serious Side Effect/Warning | Description |
|---|---|
| Severe Diarrhea or Colitis | Can be severe, leading to dehydration and requiring hospitalization. Onset can be delayed. |
| Liver Toxicity | Elevated liver enzymes are common and can be severe, potentially leading to liver failure. Regular monitoring of liver function tests is essential. |
| Infections | Increased risk of serious, fatal, or opportunistic infections, including pneumonia and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP). Prophylactic antibiotics may be prescribed. |
| Intestinal Perforation | Rare but serious risk, particularly in patients with a history of diverticulitis. |
| Skin Reactions | Severe cutaneous adverse reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, have been reported. |
Due to these potential severe adverse reactions, Zydelig carries a Boxed Warning from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding fatal and serious toxicities including hepatic toxicity, severe diarrhea or colitis, pneumonitis, and intestinal perforation. Patients should receive a comprehensive Zydelig drug information patient guide and discuss all potential risks and benefits with their doctor before starting treatment. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to a healthcare professional immediately.
