quizartinib dihydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
FLT3-targeting protein kinase inhibitor
Licensed role
Newly diagnosed FLT3-ITD-positive acute myeloid leukaemia in adults
Before treatment
The leukaemia must be confirmed as FLT3-ITD positive; an ECG and electrolyte assessment are also required.
Administration
Oral film-coated tablets that can be taken with or without food
What is quizartinib dihydrochloride used for?
The UK licence covers:
Treatment of adults with newly diagnosed FLT3-ITD-positive acute myeloid leukaemia, alongside standard induction and consolidation chemotherapy and followed by single-agent maintenance treatment.
How does quizartinib dihydrochloride work?
Quizartinib and its active metabolite AC886 block the FLT3 receptor tyrosine kinase. In leukaemia cells carrying FLT3-ITD, this interrupts growth signals and reduces abnormal cell proliferation.
quizartinib dihydrochloride preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 17.7 mg, 26.5 mg
How to take quizartinib dihydrochloride
Follow the oncology team's instructions and do not change or stop treatment without speaking to them.
Take the tablets by mouth, with or without food.
If you vomit after taking a tablet, do not take replacement tablets; wait until the next scheduled administration.
Tell the team about all prescription, non-prescription and herbal products before and during treatment.
quizartinib dihydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Low platelets, red blood cells or neutrophils
- Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or indigestion
- Headache or reduced appetite
- Raised alanine aminotransferase on liver blood tests
- Swelling of the face or limbs
- Nosebleeds
- Respiratory, fungal, herpes or bloodstream infections
- Prolonged QT interval on an ECG
Get urgent medical advice
- Fever or other infection symptoms, particularly with low white blood cells
- Dizziness, light-headedness or fainting suggesting an abnormal heart rhythm
- Severe or persistent bleeding associated with low platelets
- Dangerous ventricular rhythm disturbance or cardiac arrest
quizartinib dihydrochloride in pregnancy
Quizartinib may harm an unborn baby and should generally not be used during pregnancy unless specialist assessment finds treatment clinically necessary. Pregnancy testing is required before starting. Effective contraception is advised during treatment and after the final administration—at least 7 months for women who could become pregnant and at least 4 months for men with a partner who could become pregnant.
quizartinib dihydrochloride while breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is contraindicated during treatment because serious effects in a breastfed child cannot be excluded. It must also be avoided for at least 5 weeks after the final administration.
quizartinib dihydrochloride interactions
The oncology team should review all medicines and supplements because interactions may affect exposure, effectiveness or heart rhythm.
Strong CYP3A/P-glycoprotein inhibitors, including itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole and clarithromycin
These can raise quizartinib exposure and increase toxicity, requiring specialist management.
Strong or moderate CYP3A inducers, including rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone and St John's wort
These can substantially lower quizartinib exposure and reduce effectiveness, so combined use should be avoided.
QT-prolonging medicines, including ondansetron, azithromycin, moxifloxacin, prochlorperazine and tacrolimus
Combined use can further increase the risk of QT prolongation and abnormal heart rhythms.
Common questions about quizartinib dihydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Why is an FLT3-ITD test needed before treatment?
Its licensed role is limited to newly diagnosed AML confirmed to carry the FLT3-ITD alteration.
Is this chemotherapy?
It is a targeted protein kinase inhibitor rather than conventional chemotherapy, although its licensed use includes treatment alongside chemotherapy.
Why are ECGs needed?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.