Voxelotor (The James)

Voxelotor (The James)

 

What is Voxelotor?

Voxelotor (Vox EL oh tor), also called (Oxbryta), is a medicine that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for people who have sickle cell disease (SCD). This medicine can be taken by adults or children who are 4 years or older to improve their hemoglobin levels.

Voxelotor works to help keep oxygen in the red blood cells. When red blood cells are filled with oxygen they are not able to sickle. With the use of Voxelotor, sickle cells are less likely to bind together and form the sickle shape, which can cause low hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells) levels due to red blood cell destruction.

Voxelotor is sometimes given together with another medicine called hydroxyurea to treat your sickle cell disease.

 

What should I tell my doctor before taking Voxelotor?

Talk to your doctor about the following:

  • If you have ever had liver disease.
  • If you plan to get pregnant or are pregnant.
  • If you are breastfeeding.
  • If you are allergic to Voxelotor.
  • Ask about any special instructions on food, beverages or activities that you may need to limit.
  • Before starting Voxelotor tell about any medicines you take including:
    • Prescription medicines
    • Over-the-counter medicines
    • Vitamins and herbal products

 

What are the side effects of this medicine?

Every person responds differently to treatment. The most common side effects of Voxelotor may include:

  • Headache
  • Stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea
  • Tiredness
  • Rash
  • Fever

Call 9-1-1 if you have any signs of a severe allergic reaction such as:

  • Hives
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat

Talk to your doctor for a complete list of all possible side effects.

 

How should I take Voxelotor?

You should take this medicine one time each day. It can be taken with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, chew or break the tablet.

Do not stop using Voxelotor without talking to your doctor first. When the time is right, your doctor will talk with you about how to slowly lower the amount of Voxelotor you take each day, before you can stop taking it. This is called weaning. Some research shows that if you stop this medicine quickly, it may make your sickle cell disease worse.

 

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, wait and take your next dose at the next scheduled time. Do not take two doses at one time.

 

What if I get admitted to the hospital?

Tell the doctor at the hospital that you are taking Voxelotor as this medicine can cause changes in the results of certain blood tests.

Bring your Voxelotor medicine with you when you come to the hospital and give it to the nurse when you are admitted. The nurse will use your medicine to continue your treatment during your hospital stay.

 

How do I store Voxelotor?

  • Keep the anti-moisture cube/packet in the bottle with your pills.
  • Store this medicine at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store it in your bathroom.
  • Keep this medicine out of reach of children and pets.
  • If your doctor says you no longer need to take this medicine, talk to your pharmacist about how to safely get rid of any Voxelotor you may have left.

Call your doctor if you have any questions or need more information about this medicine.

 

 

© October 12, 2023. The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute.

This handout is for informational purposes only. Talk with your doctor or health care team if you have any questions about your care.