Aliqopa : Uses, Side Effects, Interactions & More

Why is this medication prescribed?

Aliqopa (Copanlisib injection) is used to treat people with follicular lymphoma (FL; a slow-growing blood cancer) that has returned after being treated 2 or more times with other medications. Aliqopa is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of an abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps to stop or slow the spread of cancer cells.

How should this medicine be used?

Aliqopa (Copanlisib injection) comes as a powder to be mixed with liquid and given through a needle or catheter placed into a vein. It is usually injected slowly over a period of 60 minutes on days 1,8, and 15 of a 28-day treatment cycle.

Aliqopa may cause high blood pressure for up to 8 hours after the infusion. Your doctor will check your blood pressure before you receive the infusion and for several hours after the infusion is completed. If you experience any of the following symptoms after you receive the medication tell your doctor immediately: dizziness, feeling faint, headache, or pounding heartbeat.

Your doctor may reduce your dose, delay or stop your treatment with Aliqopa, or treat you with additional medications depending on your response to the medication and any side effects that you experience. Talk to your doctor about how you are feeling during your treatment.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.

Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before receiving Aliqopa,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Aliqopa, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in Aliqopa. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: boceprevir (Victrelis); carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol, others), clarithromycin (Biaxin, in Prevpac), cobicistat (Tybost, in Evotaz, Genvoya, Prezcobix, Stribild), conivaptan (Vaprisol), diltiazem (Cardizem, Cartia XT, Diltzac, others), efavirenz (Sustiva), enzalutamide (Xtandi), idelalisib (Zydelig), indinavir (Crixivan) with ritonavir; itraconazole (Sporonox, Onmel), and ketoconazole, lopinavir with ritonavir (in Kaletra); mitotane (Lysodren), nefazodone, nelfinavir (Viracept), nevirapine (Viramune), paritaprevir, ritonavir, ombitasvir, and/or dasabuvir (Viekira Pak); phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek), posaconazole (Noxafil), rifabutin (Mycobutin), rifampin (Rifadine, in Rifamate, Rifater), ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra, Technivie, Viekira Pak), saquinavir (Invirase), and tipranavir (Aptivus) with ritonavir; and voriconazole (Vfend). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Many other medications may also interact with Aliqopa, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list.
tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking, especially St. John’s wort.
tell your doctor if you have an infection or if you have or have ever had high blood sugar, diabetes, lung or breathing problems, high blood pressure, or liver disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or plan to father a child. You should not become pregnant while you are receiving Aliqopa. You will need to have a negative pregnancy test before you begin receiving this medication. Use effective birth control during your treatment with Aliqopa and for 1 month after your final dose. If you are a male and your partner can become pregnant, you should use effective birth control during your treatment and for 1 month after your final dose. If you or your partner become pregnant while receiving Aliqopa, call your doctor.
tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed while you are receiving Aliqopa, and for 1 month after your final dose.
you should know that this medication may decrease fertility in men and women. Talk to your doctor about the risks of receiving Aliqopa.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Do not drink grapefruit juice while receiving this medication.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Aliqopa may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

diarrhea
nausea
vomiting
mouth sores, ulcers, or pain
burning, prickling, tingling, or numb feeling on the skin
pain upon touch
swelling of nose, throat, or mouth
lack of strength or energy

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms call your doctor immediately:

unusual bleeding or bruising
new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing
rash; or red, itching, peeling or swelling skin
fever, sore throat, chills, or other signs of infection
feeling very hungry or thirsty, headache, or frequent urination

Aliqopa may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body’s response to Aliqopa.

Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about Aliqopa.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Brand names

Aliqopa^®

Disclaimer: DrLinex has made every effort to ensure that all information is factually accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a licensed health care professional’s choice of knowledge and expertise. You should always consult your doctor or other health care professional before taking any medication. The information given here is subject to change and it has not been used to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions or adverse effects. The lack of warning or other information for any drug does not indicate that the combination of medicine or medication is safe, effective or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.