What is Quizartinib?

Release date: 2026-07-28 17:30:28     Recommended: 7

What is Quizartinib?

(1) Quizartinib (generic name: quizartinib) is a prescription targeted therapy specifically indicated for the treatment of adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) carrying the FLT3‑ITD gene mutation. This mutation is one of the most common genetic alterations in AML and drives rapid proliferation of leukemic cells.

(2) Quizartinib is not used as monotherapy; it must be given in combination with specific chemotherapy agents as part of initial treatment (induction and consolidation phases). After chemotherapy is completed, it may be continued as single‑agent maintenance therapy to prolong remission and reduce the risk of relapse.

(3) It is important to emphasize that quizartinib is not indicated for use as single‑agent maintenance therapy after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, because the immunological status and drug‑interaction risks in post‑transplant patients differ, and this indication has not been approved.

(4) Your doctor will confirm the presence of the FLT3‑ITD mutation through bone marrow or blood testing. Only if the test result is positive is quizartinib an appropriate treatment option for you. The safety and efficacy of this drug in pediatric patients have not been established.

Risk of QT Interval Prolongation with Quizartinib

(1) The most serious adverse effect of quizartinib is its impact on cardiac electrical activity, specifically QT interval prolongation, which can lead to torsades de pointes and even cardiac arrest – events that may be life‑threatening. Consequently, the FDA has issued a boxed warning for this drug.

(2) Before starting treatment and periodically during therapy, your doctor will monitor your heart rate changes via electrocardiogram (ECG) and check blood potassium and magnesium levels, because electrolyte disturbances increase the risk of QT prolongation. If you experience arrhythmia, dizziness, fainting, chest pain, diarrhea, or vomiting, you must contact your doctor immediately, as emergency hospitalization may be required.

(3) To manage this risk, quizartinib is available only through a restricted program called REMS, which requires that both healthcare providers and patients receive risk education and that necessary cardiac monitoring is performed before each prescription.

(4) You are strictly prohibited from using quizartinib if you have pre‑existing hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, long QT syndrome, or a history of ventricular arrhythmias. Be sure to fully disclose your cardiac history to your doctor before starting treatment.

Health Conditions and Contraindications to Disclose Before Taking Quizartinib

(1) Before taking quizartinib, inform your doctor of all your health conditions, including: any heart problems (e.g., arrhythmia, heart failure), electrolyte imbalances (especially low potassium or magnesium), whether you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, and whether you are breastfeeding.

(2) Quizartinib can cause fetal harm. Therefore, females of reproductive potential must have a negative pregnancy test within 7 days before starting treatment. Effective contraception must be used during treatment and for at least 7 months after the last dose. Male patients with female partners of reproductive potential should also use reliable contraception during treatment and for 4 months after the last dose.

(3) Breastfeeding women should not nurse during treatment and for 1 month after the last dose, because the drug may pass into breast milk.

(4) In addition, please list all prescription drugs, over‑the‑counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are using, especially St. John’s wort, because this herb significantly reduces quizartinib blood concentrations and impairs efficacy. St. John’s wort is forbidden during treatment.