Generic name: ripretinib (rip RE ti nib)
Brand name: Qinlock
Drug class: Multikinase inhibitors
Qinlock (ripretinib) is an enzyme inhibitor that blocks the action of protein kinases.
Qinlock is a prescription medicine used to treat tumors of the stomach and intestines, specifically adults with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST).
Qinlock is for use in adults who have already been treated with at least 3 other cancer medicines.
Warnings
Qinlock may affect fertility in males which may affect the ability to have children. Talk to your healthcare provider if this is a concern for you.
Qinlock and certain other medicines can affect each other causing side effects or affect how ripretinib works. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
You may not be able to use Qinlock if you have untreated or uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure).
To make sure Qinlock is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- high blood pressure;
- heart problems; or
- if you have recently had surgery or plan to have surgery.
Using Qinlock may increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Your skin may need to be checked while you are using this medicine. Ask your doctor about skin symptoms to watch for.
You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.
Both men and women using this medicine should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Ripretinib can harm an unborn baby if the mother or father is using this medicine.
Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 1 week after your last dose. Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using Qinlock.
This medicine may affect fertility (ability to have children) in men. However, it is important to use birth control to prevent pregnancy because ripretinib can harm an unborn baby.
Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 1 week after your last dose.
Qinlock is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I take Qinlock?
Take Qinlock exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.
Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.
Take the medicine at the same time each day, with or without food.
If you vomit shortly after taking Qinlock, do not take another dose. Wait until your next scheduled dose time to take the medicine again.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your heart function may also need to be checked.
If you need surgery, tell your surgeon you currently use this medicine. You may need to stop for a short time.
Do not change your dose or stop taking Qinlock without your doctor's advice.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the tablets in their original container, along with the packet or canister of moisture-absorbing preservative.
Dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor:
150 mg orally once daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity
Use: For adults with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) who have received prior treatment with 3 or more kinase inhibitors, including imatinib
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if you are more than 8 hours late for the dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What to avoid
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Qinlock side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Qinlock: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting;
- severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears;
- pain, blisters, bleeding, or severe rash in the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet;
- heart problems - tiredness, feeling short of breath, swollen veins in the sides of your neck, swelling in your stomach or lower legs;
- low red blood cells (anemia) - pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet; or
- skin changes - a new wart, a skin sore or red bump that bleeds or does not heal, or any change in the size or color of a mole.
Common Qinlock side effects may include:
- nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite;
- diarrhea, constipation;
- tiredness;
- muscle pain;
- thinning hair, hair loss;
- abnormal blood tests; or
- severe rash on your hands or feet.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Qinlock?
Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially blood pressure medicine.
Other drugs may interact with ripretinib, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.