asciminib hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
BCR::ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor
Licensed use
Previously treated Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukaemia in chronic phase, without a known T315I mutation
How it is taken
Swallow the tablets whole with water and without food
Important monitoring
Blood counts, pancreatic enzymes, electrolytes, blood pressure and cardiac risk
What is asciminib hydrochloride used for?
Licensed for:
Adults with Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukaemia in chronic phase, previously treated with two or more tyrosine kinase inhibitors, without a known T315I mutation.
How does asciminib hydrochloride work?
Asciminib binds to the myristoyl pocket of ABL rather than the usual ATP-binding site. This inhibits the abnormal BCR::ABL1 protein that drives Philadelphia chromosome-positive CML, reducing leukaemia-cell growth and division.
asciminib hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 20 mg, 40 mg
How to take asciminib hydrochloride
Follow the specialist team’s instructions.
Take without food.
Swallow tablets whole with water.
Do not break, crush or chew the tablets.
Do not change or stop treatment without speaking to the treating team.
asciminib hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Muscle, bone or joint pain
- Fatigue
- Headache or dizziness
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation or abdominal pain
- Rash or itching
- Cough or upper respiratory infection
- Reduced blood-cell counts
- Raised blood pressure
- Raised pancreatic or liver enzymes
- Swelling
Get urgent medical advice
- Bleeding or unusual bruising from reduced platelets
- Fever, sore throat or recurrent infection from reduced white cells
- Severe upper abdominal pain suggesting pancreatitis
- Irregular heartbeat or fainting associated with QT prolongation
- Severe hypertension symptoms such as chest pain or breathlessness
- Serious allergic reaction
- Severe or worsening breathing difficulty
asciminib hydrochloride in pregnancy
Human pregnancy data are limited, and animal studies indicate potential fetal harm. Asciminib is not recommended during pregnancy. Pregnancy status should be checked where relevant, effective contraception is advised during treatment and for at least three days after stopping, and suspected pregnancy should be reported promptly.
asciminib hydrochloride while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether asciminib enters human milk. Because serious effects in a breastfed infant are possible, breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment or for at least three days after stopping.
asciminib hydrochloride interactions
Ask the specialist team or pharmacist to check all prescribed, non-prescribed and herbal products. Important examples include:
Carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampicin or St John’s wort
Can reduce asciminib exposure and potentially reduce its effect.
Warfarin
Asciminib can increase warfarin exposure, so closer review and monitoring may be needed.
Fentanyl, alfentanil, ergotamine or dihydroergotamine
Asciminib may increase exposure to these narrow-therapeutic-index CYP3A4 substrates.
Common questions about asciminib hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is asciminib hydrochloride used for?
It is licensed for selected adults with Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukaemia in chronic phase after at least two previous tyrosine kinase inhibitors, provided there is no known T315I mutation.
Is asciminib hydrochloride the same as Scemblix?
Asciminib hydrochloride is the salt form supplying asciminib; Scemblix is the brand name of the selected UK tablets.
Can it be taken with food?
No. Food substantially reduces asciminib exposure, so the tablets must be taken within the specified fasting window.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.