lonafarnib 75 mg capsule

Generic name:
Lonafarnib - oral

Pronunciation
(LOE-na-FAR-nib)

Brand name(s)
Zokinvy

This medication is used to lower the risk of death in people with a certain rare condition (Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome - HGPS). It is also used to treat people with certain other rare conditions (Progeroid Laminopathies). Lonafarnib works by decreasing the amount of a harmful substance (progerin) caused by these conditions.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start using lonafarnib and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually twice a day: once with the morning meal and once with the evening meal. Swallow the capsules whole with water. Do not crush or chew.

If you have trouble swallowing the capsule, it may be opened and the contents mixed as directed in orange juice, applesauce, or certain liquids used to make a suspension. Swallow the mixture within 10 minutes of mixing it. Do not save the mixture for future use.

Avoid eating grapefruit or Seville oranges or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may do so safely. Do not mix the contents of the capsule in juice containing grapefruit or Seville oranges. Grapefruit and Seville oranges can increase the chance of side effects with this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, body size, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.

Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of serious side effects will increase.

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, gas, constipation, decreased appetite, tiredness, headache, muscle/joint pain, or mouth sores may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• unusual weight loss
• signs of dehydration (such as decreased urination, muscle cramps, dizziness)
• signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever)
• easy bruising/bleeding
• unusual tiredness
• mental/mood changes (such as depression)

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including:

• vision changes
• confusion
• trouble speaking
• fast/irregular heartbeat
• severe dizziness
• fainting

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using lonafarnib, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.

Lonafarnib may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away.

The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using lonafarnib, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions:

• certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG)
• family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death)

Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using lonafarnib safely.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially QT prolongation (see above).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using lonafarnib. Lonafarnib may harm an unborn baby. Ask about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Other medications can affect the removal of lonafarnib from your body, which may affect how lonafarnib works. Examples include adagrasib, azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole), belzutifan, butalbital, cenobamate, encorafenib, ivosidenib, lefamulin, rifamycins (such as rifampin), ritonavir, secobarbital, sotorasib, among others.

This medication can slow down the removal of other medications from your body, which may affect how they work. Examples of affected drugs include ceritinib, daridorexant, elacestrant, finerenone, mavacamten, midazolam, pacritinib, ribociclib, sparsentan, certain "statin" cholesterol drugs (such as atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin), among others.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as liver/kidney function, complete blood count, hemoglobin/hematocrit, blood mineral levels, ECG, eye exam) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments.

If you miss a dose, take it with food as soon as you remember. If it is less than 8 hours before the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.