What is OJJAARA prescribed for?
OJJAARA is prescribed to treat intermediate or high-risk myelofibrosis in adults with anemia.
What is the name of the drug and what does it do?
OJJAARA, pronounced oh-JAR-uh, (generic name: momelotinib) is a medication approved on September 15, 2023, for the treatment of adults with intermediate or high-risk myelofibrosis, a type of bone marrow cancer that disrupts the body’s normal production of blood cells.
This approval specifically targets patients who also suffer from anemia, a condition marked by a lack of healthy red blood cells.
How does it work?
OJJAARA functions as a kinase inhibitor, targeting enzymes called Janus kinases (JAKs) which are crucial in the signaling pathways that regulate blood cell production in the bone marrow.
By inhibiting these pathways, OJJAARA can help reduce the abnormal growth of bone marrow cells that is characteristic of myelofibrosis, while also addressing symptoms like anemia by improving red blood cell counts.
What did the research discover?
Clinical trials demonstrated that OJJAARA effectively improves symptoms of myelofibrosis including anemia.
Patients treated with OJJAARA showed significant improvements in blood counts and a reduction in spleen size, a common problem in myelofibrosis where the spleen enlarges due to excessive blood cell breakdown.
What are some of the side effects?
The side effects listed are from the product manufacturer. As health scientists, we share this information to keep you informed without causing undue worry. Many side effects diminish over time, and not all patients experience them. If prescribed medication, take it as directed and consult your healthcare professional if you have any concerning side effects.
- Thrombocytopenia and Neutropenia(Low levels of platelets and white blood cells)
- Bacterial infections
- Anemia
- Changes in liver enzymes
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
What are the dosage recommendations and how is it prescribed?
OJJAARA is administered orally, with the recommended dosage being 200 mg once daily, which can be taken with or without food.
The dosage may need to be adjusted based on individual response and side effects, particularly in patients with liver impairments or severe side effects.
Source:
Highlights of Prescribing Information for [Drug Name]. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/216873s000lbl.pdf. Accessed 16 July 2024.
