What is Glasdegib: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Glasdegib is a targeted cancer medication that helps fight certain types of blood cancers, particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This oral medication works by blocking specific proteins that cancer cells need to grow and survive, giving your immune system a better chance to fight the disease.

If you or someone you care about has been prescribed glasdegib, you likely have many questions about how it works, what to expect, and how to take it safely. Let's walk through everything you need to know about this important medication in simple, clear terms.

What is Glasdegib?

Glasdegib is a prescription cancer medication that belongs to a class of drugs called hedgehog pathway inhibitors. It's specifically designed to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a type of blood cancer that affects your bone marrow and blood cells.

The medication comes as oral tablets that you take by mouth, making treatment more convenient than many cancer therapies that require hospital visits. Glasdegib works by targeting and blocking a specific cellular pathway that cancer cells use to grow and multiply.

Your doctor will typically prescribe glasdegib in combination with another chemotherapy drug called cytarabine. This combination approach helps attack the cancer from multiple angles, potentially improving your treatment outcomes.

What is Glasdegib Used For?

Glasdegib is primarily used to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in adults who are 75 years or older, or who have other health conditions that make them unsuitable for intensive chemotherapy. This targeted approach helps patients who might not be strong enough for traditional, more aggressive cancer treatments.

The medication is specifically approved for newly diagnosed AML patients. AML is a fast-growing cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, where your body makes new blood cells. Without treatment, this type of leukemia can be life-threatening.

Your oncologist may also consider glasdegib if you have certain genetic markers in your cancer cells that suggest this medication might be particularly effective for your specific type of AML. Blood tests and bone marrow biopsies help determine if glasdegib is the right choice for your treatment plan.

How Does Glasdegib Work?

Glasdegib works by blocking a cellular communication pathway called the hedgehog pathway. Think of this pathway as a set of signals that tell cells when to grow and divide. In many cancers, including AML, these signals get stuck in the "on" position, causing cells to grow out of control.

By blocking these signals, glasdegib helps slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells. This gives your body's natural defenses more time to fight the cancer and can help reduce the number of abnormal cells in your blood and bone marrow.

Glasdegib is considered a moderately strong cancer medication. While it's less intensive than some traditional chemotherapy drugs, it's still a powerful treatment that requires careful monitoring by your healthcare team. The medication typically starts working within a few weeks, though you may not feel the effects immediately.

How Should I Take Glasdegib?

Take glasdegib exactly as your doctor prescribes, typically once daily at the same time each day. You can take it with or without food, but try to be consistent with your routine to help maintain steady levels of the medication in your body.

Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. Don't crush, chew, or break the tablets, as this can affect how the medication is absorbed and may cause side effects. If you have trouble swallowing pills, talk to your doctor about alternative options.

It's best to take glasdegib at a time when you can be consistent every day. Many people find it helpful to take it with breakfast or dinner to make it part of their daily routine. Your stomach contents don't significantly affect how the medication works, so you can choose what feels most comfortable for you.

How Long Should I Take Glasdegib For?

The length of your glasdegib treatment depends on how well the medication is working and how you're tolerating it. Most people take glasdegib for several months, and some may need to continue treatment for a year or longer.

Your doctor will monitor your blood counts and overall health regularly to determine if the medication is helping fight your cancer. These check-ups typically happen every few weeks at first, then less frequently as your treatment progresses.

Never stop taking glasdegib without talking to your doctor first, even if you're feeling better. Cancer treatments work best when taken consistently, and stopping too early could allow the cancer to return or worsen. Your healthcare team will let you know when it's safe to stop or if you need to continue treatment.

What Are the Side Effects of Glasdegib?

Like all cancer medications, glasdegib can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. Most side effects are manageable with proper care and monitoring from your healthcare team.

Here are the most common side effects you might experience while taking glasdegib:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Nausea and decreased appetite
• Muscle spasms or cramps
• Changes in taste
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Swelling in hands, feet, or legs
• Shortness of breath

These common side effects usually improve as your body adjusts to the medication. Your doctor can suggest ways to manage them, such as anti-nausea medications or dietary changes.

Some people may experience more serious but less common side effects that require immediate medical attention:

• Heart rhythm problems (irregular heartbeat, chest pain)
• Severe muscle weakness or pain
• Signs of infection (fever, chills, persistent cough)
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Severe diarrhea or vomiting
• Difficulty breathing or chest tightness

Contact your healthcare provider right away if you experience any of these serious side effects. They can adjust your treatment plan or provide additional medications to help manage these symptoms safely.

Who Should Not Take Glasdegib?

Glasdegib isn't suitable for everyone, and your doctor will carefully review your medical history before prescribing it. Certain health conditions and medications can make glasdegib unsafe or less effective.

You should not take glasdegib if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant. The medication can cause serious birth defects and harm to unborn babies. Both men and women should use effective birth control during treatment and for several months after stopping the medication.

Your doctor will be especially cautious about prescribing glasdegib if you have:

• Heart rhythm problems or heart disease
• Liver or kidney disease
• A history of muscle disorders
• Low blood cell counts
• Active infections

Certain medications can interact with glasdegib, making it more or less effective. Always tell your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you're taking before starting glasdegib treatment.

Glasdegib Brand Name

Glasdegib is sold under the brand name Daurismo. This is the only brand name currently available for this medication, as it's a newer, specialized cancer treatment.

When you pick up your prescription, you'll see "Daurismo" on the bottle label along with the generic name "glasdegib." Both names refer to the same medication, so don't worry if you see either one on your prescription materials.

Daurismo is manufactured by Pfizer and is only available through specialty pharmacies that handle cancer medications. Your healthcare team will help coordinate getting your prescription filled through the appropriate pharmacy.

Glasdegib Alternatives

While glasdegib is a unique medication, there are other treatment options for acute myeloid leukemia depending on your specific situation. Your oncologist will choose the best approach based on your age, overall health, and the characteristics of your cancer.

Alternative treatments for AML might include traditional chemotherapy drugs like daunorubicin, idarubicin, or high-dose cytarabine. These medications work differently than glasdegib but can be effective for many patients, especially younger ones who can tolerate more intensive treatment.

Other targeted therapies like venetoclax or FLT3 inhibitors might be options if your cancer has specific genetic features. Your doctor will run tests to determine which treatments are most likely to work for your particular type of AML.

Is Glasdegib Better Than Cytarabine Alone?

Research shows that glasdegib combined with low-dose cytarabine is more effective than cytarabine alone for treating AML in older adults or those who can't tolerate intensive chemotherapy. The combination approach helps attack cancer cells through multiple mechanisms.

Studies found that people taking glasdegib with cytarabine lived longer on average than those taking cytarabine by itself. The combination also showed better response rates, meaning more people saw their cancer respond to treatment.

However, the combination does come with additional side effects compared to cytarabine alone. Your doctor will weigh the potential benefits against the risks based on your individual health situation. The goal is always to find the treatment that gives you the best chance of fighting your cancer while maintaining your quality of life.