Iclusig (ponatinib) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for certain types of leukemia in adults. Iclusig comes as an oral tablet that’s typically taken once per day. The dosage can vary depending on what condition the drug is used to help treat.

Iclusig is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat:

Iclusig belongs to a drug class called tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). Iclusig is not available in a generic version.

Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Iclusig, including its strengths and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Iclusig, see this article.

Note: This article describes typical dosages for Iclusig provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Iclusig, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Read below for recommended dosages of Iclusig and other details about the drug.

Iclusig form

Iclusig comes as an oral tablet.

Iclusig strengths

Iclusig comes in four strengths:

  • 10 milligrams (mg)
  • 15 mg
  • 30 mg
  • 45 mg

Typical dosages

The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended in adults. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for Ph+ALL

Doctors may prescribe Iclusig to treat Ph+ ALL. The drug is typically taken with chemotherapy or on its own.

If your doctor prescribes Iclusig with chemotherapy for your newly diagnosed Ph+ ALL, your starting dosage will likely be 30 mg once per day. Your doctor may reduce your dose depending on how you respond to the drug. You’ll likely take Iclusig for up to 20 cycles of chemotherapy until it’s no longer working or until you develop bothersome side effects.

If your doctor prescribes Iclusig on its own to treat Ph+ ALL, the typical starting dosage is 45 mg once per day. You’ll likely continue Iclusig until it’s no longer working or until you develop bothersome side effects.

For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.

Dosage for CML

Iclusig is also approved to help treat certain types of CML. In this case, the recommended starting dosage of Iclusig is 45 mg once per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose based on how your body responds to the medication.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your dosage.

How to take Iclusig

Iclusig comes as an oral tablet that you swallow whole. Do not divide, crush, or chew the tablet. You may take your dose with or without food.

It may be helpful to take Iclusig around the same time of day. This helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body so Iclusig can work effectively.

If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Long-term treatment

Iclusig is meant to be taken as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Iclusig is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

Before you start taking Iclusig, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERS

Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Iclusig in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.

It’s important that you don’t take more Iclusig than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

Effects of an overdose

Overdose effects of Iclusig can include:

If you take more than the recommended amount of Iclusig

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Iclusig. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.