A targeted tablet for chronic myeloid leukaemia
Bosutinib
A targeted tablet used to treat chronic myeloid leukaemia, a type of blood cancer.
What is Bosutinib?
Bosutinib is a targeted cancer medicine used to treat chronic myeloid leukaemia, a type of blood cancer. It blocks an abnormal protein called BCR-ABL that drives the leukaemia, helping to control the disease. It is taken as a daily tablet, usually with food, under the care of a cancer specialist. The most common problem is diarrhoea, especially early on. Other important effects include liver problems, fluid retention and a fall in blood cells, so regular blood tests are needed. It can harm an unborn baby, so reliable contraception is important.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Bosutinib — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Bosutinib is a targeted cancer therapy known as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It is used to treat chronic myeloid leukaemia, a blood cancer caused by an abnormal protein called BCR-ABL that makes white blood cells multiply out of control. Bosutinib is one of several medicines of this type and is often used when other similar medicines have not worked well or have caused problems. It is taken by mouth as a daily tablet, usually with food, and is a long-term treatment that keeps the leukaemia under control rather than a short course.
How it works
In chronic myeloid leukaemia, a faulty gene produces an abnormal protein called BCR-ABL that constantly signals blood cells to grow and divide. Bosutinib blocks this protein, switching off the signal that drives the leukaemia, so the abnormal cells stop multiplying and the disease comes under control. Because the faulty protein keeps being made, the medicine is taken every day to keep the signal blocked over the long term. Regular blood tests show how well the leukaemia is responding and help guide treatment.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Specialist manufacturer.
A targeted oral medicine used in the UK to treat chronic myeloid leukaemia, taken as a daily tablet under a cancer specialist.
Practical use
How to take Bosutinib
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Take the tablet by mouth once a day with food, at about the same time each day, as your specialist advises.
- Swallow it whole with water and avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, which can raise its levels.
- Tell your team about diarrhoea, and follow their advice on staying hydrated and easing it, especially early on.
- Report new breathlessness, swelling or sudden weight gain, as these can be signs of fluid build-up.
- Use reliable contraception during treatment, as it can harm an unborn baby, and attend your blood tests.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Bosutinib
Advantages
- An effective targeted treatment that controls chronic myeloid leukaemia by blocking the protein that drives it.
- Taken as a daily tablet at home rather than needing infusions.
- A useful option when other similar medicines have not worked or have caused problems.
Disadvantages
- Commonly causes diarrhoea, especially early in treatment.
- Can cause liver problems, fluid retention and a fall in blood cells, needing regular monitoring.
- Interacts with grapefruit and several other medicines, so a full medicines list is important.
Practical use
Good to know
The most common issue with bosutinib is diarrhoea, which often appears early in treatment; it usually settles, and taking the tablet with food, staying hydrated and using anti-diarrhoea measures as advised can help. Two important things to monitor are the liver, as bosutinib can cause liver problems shown up on blood tests, and the bone marrow, as it can lower blood cells and raise the risk of infection, bruising or tiredness. It can also cause fluid to build up, for example around the lungs, so tell your team about new breathlessness, swelling or rapid weight gain. It is best taken consistently with food, and grapefruit should be avoided as it can raise the medicine's levels. Because it can harm an unborn baby, reliable contraception is important during treatment.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to bosutinib should not take it.
- It is not used in pregnancy because it can harm an unborn baby, and breastfeeding is avoided.
- It is used with caution, and dose adjustment, in people with significant liver problems, under specialist care.
Monitoring
- Regular blood counts and liver function tests during treatment.
- Tests that show how well the leukaemia is responding over time.
- Watching for diarrhoea, fluid build-up and signs of infection.
Side effects
- Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting or stomach pain, often early in treatment.
- Liver problems shown on blood tests, and a fall in blood cells causing tiredness, infection or bruising.
- Fluid build-up, for example around the lungs, causing breathlessness or swelling.
- Rash, tiredness and, less commonly, effects on the heart rhythm.
Key interactions
- Grapefruit and certain antifungal and antibiotic medicines can raise bosutinib levels, increasing side effects.
- Some medicines, including certain epilepsy medicines, can lower its levels and make it less effective.
- Medicines that reduce stomach acid can affect how well it is absorbed, so spacing or alternatives may be needed.
Available as: Tablets taken by mouth.
Answers
Bosutinib: frequently asked questions
What is bosutinib used for?
It is a targeted medicine used to treat chronic myeloid leukaemia, a type of blood cancer, by blocking the abnormal protein that drives the disease.
Why should I take it with food?
Taking it with food helps it be absorbed properly and can reduce stomach upset; it is best taken consistently the same way each day.
Why is diarrhoea so common?
Diarrhoea is the most common side effect, especially early on; it usually settles, and staying hydrated and using anti-diarrhoea measures as advised can help.
Why do I need regular blood tests?
Blood tests check your liver, your blood cell counts and how well the leukaemia is responding, so treatment can be kept safe and effective.
Can I drink grapefruit juice?
No. Grapefruit and its juice can raise the level of bosutinib in your body and increase side effects, so they should be avoided.
Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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