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What Precautions Should Be Taken with Ponatinib?

Release date: 2026-01-21 17:13:01     Recommended: 15

Ponatinib exerts its therapeutic effect by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and is indicated for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

What Precautions Should Be Taken with Ponatinib?

Arterial Occlusive Events (AOEs)

Arterial occlusive events have been reported, some of which have been fatal. Such events include fatal myocardial infarction, stroke, stenosis of major cerebral arteries, severe peripheral vascular disease, and conditions requiring urgent revascularization surgery. These events have occurred in patients regardless of the presence of cardiovascular risk factors, including those aged ≤ 50 years.

Patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of arterial occlusive events. Treatment should be interrupted or discontinued based on the severity of the event. Before resuming treatment, a benefit-risk assessment must be conducted to guide clinical decision-making.

Heart Failure

Heart failure has occurred in 9% of treated patients, with some cases resulting in death. Patients' cardiac function should be monitored; if new-onset heart failure or exacerbation of existing heart failure occurs, ponatinib should be suspended or discontinued.

Administration Method of Ponatinib

Ponatinib must be administered strictly in accordance with the prescription provided by healthcare providers. The drug is generally taken orally once daily, either with food or on an empty stomach. The tablets should be swallowed whole and must not be crushed, chewed, or split.

If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as the patient remembers. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped entirely, and the regular dosing schedule should be resumed. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Contraindications for Ponatinib

Contraindications refer to specific physical conditions or circumstances where the use of a drug may pose risks to the patient. For ponatinib, the following contraindications should be carefully evaluated before initiating treatment. It is essential to discuss these conditions with a healthcare provider, as they may indicate that ponatinib is not a suitable treatment option.

History of heart disease or stroke

Ponatinib has been shown to increase the risk of thrombosis, which can lead to serious complications such as heart attack and stroke. Patients with a history of cardiovascular disease may experience exacerbation of their condition when taking ponatinib.

Uncontrolled hypertension

Ponatinib can elevate blood pressure, thereby increasing the risk of severe complications including heart attack and stroke. The use of ponatinib may not be safe for patients with poorly controlled hypertension.

Severe liver disease

Ponatinib is metabolized by the liver. Impaired liver function can lead to drug accumulation in the body, which may trigger harmful adverse reactions.

Hypersensitivity to ponatinib or its components

A history of hypersensitivity reaction to ponatinib or any of its ingredients may result in severe, even life-threatening, allergic symptoms upon re-administration.