Myelofibrosis is a type of cancer which involves fibrous scar tissue replacing the bone marrow found inside most bones. The bone marrow produces too many megakaryocytes, which are giant cells that normally release small fragments called platelets. Along with too many megakaryocytes, there a release of cytokines, which are proteins that cause inflammation and the formation and building up of fibrous tissue within the bone marrow. Myelofibrosis is also known as a chronic form of leukemia.
There are two types of Myelofibrosis: Primary myelofibrosis if it occurs on its own without another bone marrow disease being present. If another bone marrow cancer, such as essential thrombocythemia or polycythemia vera is present, it is called Secondary myelofibrosis or post-essential thrombocythemia or post-polycythemia vera myelofibrosis.
Myelofibrosis is rare in the United States, with only 1.5 cases per 100,000 people reported each year.
Many of the symptoms of Myelofibrosis do not appear for years, but patients may experience the following symptoms:
- Anemia
- Pale skin
- Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly)
- Night sweats
- Blood clots
- Fever
- Itching
- Abnormal bruising
- Joint pain
- Weight loss
- Extramedullary hematopoiesis (growth of blood forming cells outside of the bone marrow)
Treatment
Treatment for Myelofibrosis involves managing the condition through medication.
Jakafi (ruxolitinib) is the most common prescription drug for Myelofibrosis treatment. Jakafi is known as Jakavi in Canada.
Jakafi (Ruxolitinib) belongs to a group of anti-cancer medications, also known as antineoplastics. To be precise it is a protein kinase inhibitor. This powerful medication is used to treat Myelofibrosis and relieve some of the symptoms of Myelofibrosis such as the enlargement of the spleen, itching, night sweats, fever, and weight loss. In addition, it is prescribed to patients who have polycythemia vera, who have not responded to other medications, to control the amount of red blood cells in their blood (hematocrit).
Jakafi comes in four pill sizes:
- 5mg - containing 5 mg of ruxolitinib, as well as nonmedicinal ingredients; Lactosemonohydrate, hydroxypropylcellulose, magnesium stearate, colloidal silicon dioxide, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate (Type A), and povidone.
- 10mg - containing 10 mg of ruxolitinib, as well as nonmedicinal ingredients; Lactosemonohydrate, hydroxypropylcellulose, magnesium stearate, colloidal silicon dioxide, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate (Type A), and povidone.
- 15mg - containing 15 mg of ruxolitinib, as well as nonmedicinal ingredients; Lactosemonohydrate, hydroxypropylcellulose, magnesium stearate, colloidal silicon dioxide, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate (Type A), and povidone.
- 20mg - containing 20 mg of ruxolitinib, as well as nonmedicinal ingredients; Lactosemonohydrate, hydroxypropylcellulose, magnesium stearate, colloidal silicon dioxide, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate (Type A), and povidone.
Adult dose: The dose of this medication depends on several factors, such as the baseline of various blood cells such as platelets, hemoglobin, and neutrophils, and the condition your doctor is treating. Doses are adjusted according to the patient’s needs. Most doses range between 5mg and 20mg taken twice daily, however you should only follow your doctor’s prescribed doses as per your individual test results and needs.
If you have questions about Jakafi, your prescription or any other medication, our discreet and caring team at CanadaDrugstore will be happy to answer your questions. Simply phone us Toll Free at 1-800-399-DRUG (3784).
This article contains medical information provided to help you better understand this particular medical condition or process, and may contain information about medication often used as part of a treatment plan prescribed by a doctor. It is not intended to be used as either a diagnosis or recommendation for treatment of your particular medical situation. If you are unwell, concerned about your physical or mental state, or are experiencing symptoms you should speak with your doctor or primary health care provider. If you are in medical distress please contact emergency services (such as 911).
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