Beleodaq is administered in a hospital or clinic setting under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Because it is given intravenously, the drug is injected into a vein. A nurse or doctor will carefully monitor the infusion process to ensure the medication is being delivered correctly and to watch for any immediate reactions.
The drug is typically given in cycles. One cycle consists of five consecutive days of treatment, followed by 16 days without treatment. This cycle is repeated every three weeks. The healthcare team will regularly monitor the patient to ensure the treatment is working and check for side effects. It is important that patients follow the prescribed treatment plan to achieve the best results.
Beleodaq works by inhibiting the activity of histone deacetylases (HDACs). HDACs are enzymes that play a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression. These enzymes help control the structure of chromatin (the material that makes up chromosomes) and regulate the activity of specific genes involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells.
When HDACs are active, they allow cancer cells to grow and divide rapidly. Beleodaq inhibits these enzymes, which leads to changes in gene expression. This disruption in gene regulation helps slow down the proliferation of cancer cells and can trigger cancer cell death (apoptosis). By targeting the cancerous cells, Beleodaq aims to shrink tumors and improve the overall prognosis for patients with PTCL.
This mechanism of action makes Beleodaq distinct from many other cancer treatments, as it directly affects the regulation of genes involved in cell growth and survival rather than targeting specific mutations or proteins within cancer cells.
Like all medications, Beleodaq can cause side effects. While not everyone will experience these, it is important for patients to be aware of them:
- Common Side Effects:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue and weakness
- Diarrhea
- Low blood cell counts, such as anemia (low red blood cells), neutropenia (low white blood cells), or thrombocytopenia (low platelets)
- Fever and chills
- Serious Side Effects:
- Infection: Because Beleodaq can lower blood cell counts, it may increase the risk of infections. Patients should report any signs of infection (such as fever or cough) to their doctor immediately.
- Bleeding: Beleodaq can increase the risk of bleeding due to its effect on platelets. This may result in easy bruising, nosebleeds, or other unusual bleeding.
- Liver Toxicity: Beleodaq can cause liver damage, so liver function will be monitored during treatment. Symptoms of liver problems include yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or pain in the upper right side of the abdomen.
- Other Effects: Other possible side effects include dizziness, loss of appetite, and low blood pressure.
Patients should contact their healthcare provider immediately if they experience any signs of serious side effects or unusual symptoms during treatment.
Before starting treatment with Beleodaq, it is essential to consider the following warnings and precautions:
- Blood Count Monitoring: Regular blood tests will be required during treatment with Beleodaq to monitor blood cell counts and ensure the drug is not causing harmful effects on the bone marrow.
- Liver Function: As Beleodaq can affect the liver, patients with liver disease or impaired liver function should discuss this with their healthcare provider before starting treatment.
- Infections: Due to its immunosuppressive effect, Beleodaq increases the risk of infections. Patients should take precautions to avoid infections, including practicing good hygiene and avoiding contact with sick individuals.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Beleodaq should not be used during pregnancy, as it can harm a developing fetus. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use this medication, and effective contraception should be used during treatment.
Beleodaq can interact with several other medications, including other cancer treatments, blood thinners, or medications that affect the liver. It is crucial to inform your doctor about any medications you are currently taking. Some drugs may increase the risk of side effects or interfere with the effectiveness of Beleodaq.
For example, if you’re taking other medications that also target cancer cells or affect blood clotting, these could potentially increase the risk of bleeding or other complications when used in combination with Beleodaq. Always consult your healthcare provider about potential interactions and never start or stop any medications without their approval.
The dosage of Beleodaq is based on the patient’s body surface area and their overall health. The recommended dose is typically 1,000 mg/m², given as an intravenous infusion. The infusion should be administered once a day for five consecutive days, followed by a rest period of 16 days. This cycle is repeated every three weeks. Dosage may be adjusted based on the patient’s tolerance and response to the treatment.
Beleodaq is a prescription medication and must be prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider. It is not available over-the-counter. Patients should have a detailed discussion with their healthcare provider to determine whether Beleodaq is the right treatment for their condition. Doctors will consider a variety of factors, including the patient’s medical history, the stage of the disease, and previous treatments before starting this medication.