Ascimib 40 mg Tablet (Asciminib)

What is Ascimib 40 mg Tablet (Asciminib) used for?

Ascimib 40 mg tablet (Asciminib)  is used to treat certain types of blood cancer, such as Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (PH+ CML)  in chronic phase, in adult patients who have already taken two or more inhibitors. When two chromosomes swap their places and then a new abnormal chromosome is created, called the Philadelphia chromosome, that affects bone marrow production and changes white blood cells, causing leukemia. In some cases, this medication is effective in treating the resistant mutation T315L. Healthcare providers may use this medication in other treatments also. 

“On October 29, 2024, the Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval to asciminib (Scemblix, Novartis AG) for adult patients with newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in chronic phase (CP).”

How does it work?

Asciminib is a STAMP (Specifically Targeting the ABL Myristoyl Pocket) inhibitor, different from traditional kinase inhibitors. When the Philadelphia chromosome is created, it creates a fusion between genes BCR-ABL1. Asciminib works by inhibiting the ABL1 part and helps prevent bone marrow from producing abnormal white blood cells. 

Dosage and Administration Guide

The recommended dose is 40 mg twice daily as monotherapy or 80 mg in certain patients according to the healthcare provider’s prescription. It is an orally administrable medication that can be taken with or without food at the same time every day. There should be a minimum gap of 12 hours between each dose. Swallow the tablets with water; do not chew, crush, or split them.  

What are the side effects of the Asciminib 40 mg tablet (Ascimib)?

Common Side Effects:

Common side effects are listed below. Inform your healthcare provider if any of these happen.

• Fatigue
• Infection in the nose, throat, or common cold symptoms.
• Headache
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Muscle or joint pain
• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Rash
• Increased liver enzymes (ALT/AST)

Serious Side Effects:

• Hypertension
• Pancreatitis
• Myelosuppression
• Cardiac arrhythmias
• Hypersensitivity reactions
• QT prolongation 

Does Ascimib interact with foods and drinks?

Ascimib 40 mg should be taken without food, because food can decrease the absorption of the medicine in your body. And it is still unknown if drinking alcohol affects the absorption of the medication or not. 

Does Ascimib interact with other drugs?

Yes, this medication may interact with some other drugs, lowering the blood level in the body, decreasing the absorption in the body, and may also create some adverse side effects. Always check with your doctor if you are using any other medication, prescription, non-prescription, or herbal. The list below represents some common medications that interact with Ascimib 40 mg. 

• CYP3A4 inducers (rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin) 
• CYP3A4 inhibitors ( ketoconazole, clarithromycin) 
• Drugs that prolong the QT interval 
• Antacids or proton pump inhibitors 
• Warfarin and other anticoagulants 

If you are not sure your other medication will interact with the Ascimib, you can check it here. 

Check drug interactions at trusted medical resources or consult your healthcare provider. 

Precautions and Warnings

Who should avoid Ascimib 40 mg tablets?

Patients who are allergic to any of the ingredients of Asciminib should avoid the medication with their healthcare provider’s consultation.

What should I know before using this medication?

• This is a prescription medication; do not take it unless it is prescribed to you by assuming the symptoms of the disease. 
• Do not share the medication with anyone else, even if they have the same conditions. 
• Internal essential organs like the kidney, liver, and heart should be monitored regularly during the treatment.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using the Asciminib 40 mg tablet?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions, like as you had any severe diseases before, and all the medications you are taking. 

If you are breastfeeding, your healthcare provider may not suggest that you take Asciminib as it may harm the infant. 

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, as they may not suggest getting pregnant during the treatment. Ingredients in the medication may harm the unborn baby. To avoid unwanted pregnancy, use proper contraception for both males and females. 

Asciminib 40 mg may cause problems with fertility; consult your healthcare provider before taking it.

What should I do if I take more than the scheduled dose of Ascimib 40 mg?

Do not take more than a scheduled dose to get cured faster. If you accidentally do so, inform your healthcare provider or poison management department as soon as possible. Remember, overdoses do not cure fast; instead harm your body. 

What should I do if I forget to take the scheduled dose?

If you forget to take the scheduled dose, take it as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is closer to the next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose. 

How to store the Ascimib 40 mg tablets?

Store the Ascimib 40 mg tablets at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and out of children. Keep the tablets in the original bottle; do not store the medication in a moist place. If the tablets are expired, do not throw them in the dustbin or in the drain. Dispose of them properly or return them to the pharmaceuticals.  

Pricing, Manufacturer, and Access information about Ascimib 40 mg (Asciminib)

Ascimib (asciminib) 40 mg is developed by Everest Pharmaceuticals in Bangladesh to support the treatment of certain blood cancers, including Philadelphia chromosome–positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in adults. If you are looking for the Asciminib 40 mg price in Bangladesh, please note that the cost can vary depending on location, availability, and supply, so updated pricing is shared only through authorised distributors. For patients and clinics outside Bangladesh, global access is arranged through Access outside Bangladesh is possible through licensed distributors, in accordance with local regulations, who work within local health regulations. A valid prescription is always required to receive this medication safely and legally.