Side Effects of Ponatinib

Ponatinib is a potent tyrosine kinase inhibitor indicated primarily for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and certain types of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), especially in patients with resistance to other TKI therapies. Due to its potent inhibitory activity, ponatinib is associated with a range of potentially serious side effects.

Serious Side Effects of Ponatinib

If any of the following side effects occur while taking ponatinib, consult a doctor immediately:

(I) More Common Side Effects

Urinary system:

Bladder pain, cloudy urine, decreased urine output, difficult/burning/painful urination, frequent urination, red or dark brown urine.

Cardiovascular system:

Chest pain, distended neck veins, slow or rapid heartbeat, pain in the chest/groin/legs (especially the calves).

Nervous system:

Blurred vision, confusion, dizziness, fainting, lightheadedness, nervousness, paralysis, tinnitus, sudden severe headache, sudden loss of coordination, sudden slurred speech, sudden changes in vision, numbness or tingling in hands or feet.

Respiratory system:

Cough or hoarseness, coughing up blood, difficulty breathing or swallowing, irregular breathing, rapid shallow breathing, sore throat.

Digestive system:

Bleeding gums, nosebleeds, constipation, indigestion, lower back/flank/abdominal pain, abdominal/flank pain (possibly radiating to the back), red or black tarry stools, ulcers/sores/white spots in the mouth.

Skin and mucous membrane system:

Swelling or edema of the face/arms/hands/lower legs/feet, pinpoint red spots on the skin, pale complexion, prolonged bleeding from wounds, unusual bleeding or bruising.

Musculoskeletal system:

Joint pain/stiffness/swelling.

Reproductive system:

Increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding.

General symptoms:

Chills, rapid weight gain, unusual weight gain or loss.

(II) Less Common Side Effects

Anxiety, burning/numbness/tingling/pain of the skin, chest discomfort, rapid heartbeat/palpitations or arrhythmia, pain/redness/swelling in the arms or legs, unsteady gait or clumsiness, weakness in the arms/hands/legs/feet.

Other Side Effects of Ponatinib

Ponatinib may cause some side effects that generally do not require medical attention. These side effects may disappear on their own during treatment as the body adjusts to the medication. In addition, healthcare professionals may advise you on ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Consult a healthcare professional if any of the following side effects persist, are bothersome, or if you have any questions:

More Common Side Effects

Back or bone pain, chapped lips, difficult bowel movements (constipation), decreased mobility, dry/itchy/painful/red/swollen/tender or burning skin, fatigue or loss of strength, muscle aches/pain or stiffness, nasal congestion or runny nose.