Idhifa (enasidenib) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for a certain type of leukemia in adults. Idhifa comes as an oral tablet that’s typically taken once per day. The dosage can vary depending on certain conditions.

Idhifa is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in adults. It’s approved to treat AML that has come back after treatment or has not responded to treatment. Idhifa is given for AML that has a mutation known as isocitrate dehydrogenase-2 (IDH2).

Idhifa belongs to a drug class called IDH2 inhibitors. Idhifa is not available in a generic version.

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

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

Read below for the recommended dosage of Idhifa and other details about the drug.

Idhifa form

Idhifa comes as an oral tablet.

Idhifa strengths

Idhifa comes in two strengths: 50 milligrams (mg) and 100 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 AML

Doctors may prescribe Idhifa to treat AML.

If your doctor prescribes Idhifa for AML, your dose will likely be 100 mg. Typically, you’ll take this once per day.

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

Long-term treatment

Idhifa is meant to be taken as long as it works to treat your condition without causing serious side effects. If you and your doctor determine that Idhifa is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it for at least 6 months.

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

The Idhifa dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • how your body responds to Idhifa
  • other medications you take
  • side effects you may have with Idhifa

If you have questions about these factors, talk with your doctor.

Idhifa comes as an oral tablet that you swallow whole. You should take Idhifa with 1 cup (8 ounces) of water. Do not divide, crush, chew, or place the tablet in water. You may take your dose with or without food.

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

If you have questions about how to use Idhifa, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

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 Idhifa in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.

If you miss a dose of Idhifa, take it as soon as you remember on the same day. If you vomit a dose of Idhifa, you can take a second dose on the same day. Return to your normal schedule the next day. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed one.

If you’re not sure whether you should take a missed dose or skip it, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

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

If you take more than the recommended amount of Idhifa

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Idhifa. 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.

Below are some frequently asked questions about Idhifa.

Is the dosage of Idhifa similar to the dosage of Venclexta?

Yes, the forms and how often you take each drug are similar. Idhifa and Venclexta (venetoclax) are both oral tablets prescribed for AML that are taken once per day.

The dose in milligrams for each drug differs because the two drugs have different active ingredients. Your doctor will prescribe the drug and the dosage that’s right for you.

To learn more about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor.

How long does it take for Idhifa to start working?

Idhifa starts to work after your first dose. Because of how the drug works, you likely won’t feel the drug working in your body. Typically, you’ll take Idhifa for at least 6 months to see the maximum benefit of the drug. Your doctor will monitor you during treatment to check whether the drug is working to treat your condition.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about what to expect with Idhifa treatment.

The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Idhifa for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

As with any drug, never change your dosage of Idhifa without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Idhifa that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.

Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Idhifa. These additional articles might be helpful:

  • More about Idhifa: For information about other aspects of Idhifa, refer to this article.
  • Side effects: To learn about side effects of Idhifa, see this article. You can also look at the Idhifa prescribing information.
  • Details about your condition: For details about leukemia, see our leukemia hub.

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.