momelotinib dihydrochloride monohydrate at a glance
Medicine class
Protein kinase inhibitor targeting JAK1, JAK2 and ACVR1 pathways
Licensed role
Control of splenomegaly or other symptoms in adults with myelofibrosis and moderate to severe anaemia
Administration
Oral tablet that may be taken with or without food
Routine monitoring
Blood-cell counts and liver function are checked before and during treatment
What is momelotinib dihydrochloride monohydrate used for?
UK licensing covers disease-related splenomegaly or symptoms in adults with moderate to severe anaemia who have not previously received a JAK inhibitor or who have received ruxolitinib.
Primary myelofibrosis
Post-polycythaemia vera myelofibrosis
Post-essential thrombocythaemia myelofibrosis
How does momelotinib dihydrochloride monohydrate work?
Momelotinib and its active metabolite inhibit JAK1 and JAK2, reducing abnormal signalling involved in inflammation, blood-cell production and myelofibrosis symptoms. They also inhibit ACVR1, lowering hepcidin and making more iron available for red-blood-cell production.
momelotinib dihydrochloride monohydrate preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg
How to take momelotinib dihydrochloride monohydrate
Take the tablet by mouth exactly as directed by the specialist team.
It may be taken with or without food.
Do not stop treatment unless this has been agreed with the prescriber.
If dizziness or blurred vision occurs, avoid driving or operating machinery until it resolves.
momelotinib dihydrochloride monohydrate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Diarrhoea or nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Headache or dizziness
- Tiredness or weakness
- Cough
- Low platelet count, which may cause bruising or prolonged bleeding
Get urgent medical advice
- Serious infection or sepsis
- Severe thrombocytopenia or neutropenia
- Drug-related liver injury
- Blood-clot symptoms requiring prompt assessment
- Severe hypersensitivity
- Severe blistering or peeling skin reaction
momelotinib dihydrochloride monohydrate in pregnancy
Momelotinib is contraindicated during pregnancy because it may harm the fetus. Pregnancy should be avoided during treatment; if pregnancy occurs, treatment should be stopped and the specialist contacted promptly. Hormonal contraception may be less effective, so the SmPC advises adding a barrier method during treatment and for at least one week afterwards.
momelotinib dihydrochloride monohydrate while breastfeeding
Momelotinib is contraindicated while breastfeeding. It is unknown whether it enters human milk, and a risk to the breastfed child cannot be excluded.
momelotinib dihydrochloride monohydrate interactions
Check prescribed, non-prescription and herbal products before treatment because momelotinib affects several enzymes and transporters.
Carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin and St John’s wort
Strong CYP3A4 induction may lower momelotinib exposure and reduce effectiveness.
Ciclosporin and other OATP1B1/1B3 inhibitors
They may increase momelotinib exposure, requiring closer monitoring for adverse effects.
Rosuvastatin and sulfasalazine
Momelotinib can increase exposure to these BCRP substrates and may increase their adverse effects.
Common questions about momelotinib dihydrochloride monohydrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is momelotinib chemotherapy?
It is a targeted protein kinase inhibitor used as anticancer treatment, rather than conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy.
Does momelotinib cure myelofibrosis?
It is licensed to control an enlarged spleen and other disease-related symptoms; it is not described as a curative treatment.
Which types of myelofibrosis can momelotinib treat?
Its UK licence covers primary myelofibrosis, post-polycythaemia vera myelofibrosis and post-essential thrombocythaemia myelofibrosis in eligible adults with moderate to severe anaemia.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.