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Brand Names: Ixempra

Generic Name: ixabepilone (Pronunciation: IX ab EP i lone)

• What is ixabepilone (Ixempra)?
• What are the possible side effects of ixabepilone (Ixempra)?
• What is the most important information I should know about ixabepilone (Ixempra)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving ixabepilone (Ixempra)?
• How is ixabepilone given (Ixempra)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Ixempra)?
• What happens if I overdose (Ixempra)?
• What should I avoid while receiving ixabepilone (Ixempra)?
• What other drugs will affect ixabepilone (Ixempra)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is ixabepilone (Ixempra)?

Ixabepilone is used to treat advanced breast cancer.

Ixabepilone is usually given after other cancer medications have been tried without successful treatment.

Ixabepilone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of ixabepilone (Ixempra)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; warmth or tingly feeling; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• numbness, burning, pain, or tingly feeling in your hands or feet;
• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
• sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
• chest pain or heavy feeling;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms; or
• redness, swelling, and pain on the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet.

Less serious side effects include:

• tired feeling;
• joint or muscle pain;
• hair loss;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, loss of appetite;
• diarrhea or constipation; or
• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about ixabepilone (Ixempra)?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to ixabepilone, or to a medication ingredient called Cremophor (synthetic castor oil). You may not be able to receive ixabepilone if you have severe liver disease.

Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

Before you receive ixabepilone, tell your doctor if you have liver or heart disease, nerve problems in your hands or feet, diabetes, or bone marrow suppression.

Ixabepilone can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Avoid drinking alcohol while you are receiving ixabepilone.

Tell your caregivers at once if you have serious side effects such as numbness, burning, pain, or tingly feeling in your hands or feet, sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body, chest pain or heavy feeling, fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, or redness, swelling, and pain on the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet.