Can I take Vonjo with food?

Yes, you can take Vonjo either with or without food.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Vonjo?

Take your next dose at your scheduled time. Do not take extra capsules to make up for a missed one.

Does Vonjo affect birth control?

Yes, Vonjo may make hormonal birth control less effective. It is recommended to use an alternative like an IUD or condoms.

What are the most common side effects of Vonjo?

The most common side effects are diarrhea, low platelet counts, nausea, anemia, and swelling in the limbs.

Should I stop Vonjo before surgery?

Yes, you should stop taking Vonjo 7 days before any planned elective surgery or invasive procedure due to bleeding risks.

Can I breastfeed while taking Vonjo?

No, breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for 2 weeks after your last dose.

Is Vonjo safe for elderly patients?

Clinical studies did not include enough people over age 65 to confirm if the drug works differently in older adults.

Pacritinib | CAS 937272-79-2 | HWXVIOGONBBTBY

Loading compound...

Kinase inhibitor

Pacritinib (brand name Vonjo) is a pill used to treat certain adults with intermediate or high-risk primary or secondary myelofibrosis, especially when platelet counts are low. It works by blocking specific proteins (kinases) that help cancer cells grow.

How it worksPacritinib is a kinase inhibitor. It works by blocking proteins like JAK2 and FLT3, which are involved in the signaling processes that control blood cell production and immune functions.

Brand names:Vonjo

Used for

Intermediate or high-risk primary myelofibrosisIntermediate or high-risk secondary myelofibrosis

Conditions

Primary myelofibrosisSecondary myelofibrosis

Class

Kinase InhibitorJAK2 InhibitorFLT3 InhibitorKinase inhibitorHematologicImmune SystemCardiovascular

How to take

FormsOral capsule

RoutesOral

The standard dose is 200 mg taken by mouth twice every day. You can take it with or without food, but you must swallow the capsules whole without breaking or chewing them.

If you are already taking other kinase inhibitors, you must follow your doctor's instructions to taper or stop them before starting Vonjo. If you miss a dose, take your next dose at the usual time; do not take extra capsules to make up for it.

Missed dose: Take the next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take extra capsules to make up for a missed dose.

Key warnings

·Bleeding risk: Avoid use if you have active bleeding and stop the drug before any planned surgeries.
·Heart risks: Monitor for heart rhythm issues and cardiovascular events, especially in smokers.
·Blood clot risk: Watch for signs of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
·Infection risk: Wait until any serious active infections have cleared before starting treatment.
·Cancer risk: There is a risk of developing other types of cancer, such as lymphoma.

Do not use if

·Using strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or strong CYP3A4 inducers at the same time as Vonjo

Side effects

Common

DiarrheaLow platelet counts (thrombocytopenia)NauseaAnemiaSwelling in the arms or legs (peripheral edema)

Serious

·Severe bleeding (hemorrhage)
·Heart rhythm changes (prolonged QT interval)
·Blood clots (thrombosis, including deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism)
·Major heart events (like heart attack or stroke)
·New or worsening cancers (secondary malignancies)
·Serious infections
·Severe diarrhea that could lead to kidney injury

Seek help if

·Bleeding that cannot be stopped
·Severe diarrhea
·Fainting or signs of irregular heartbeat
·Signs of a blood clot (like leg swelling or shortness of breath)

Interactions

·Strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors/inducers (can change how much drug is in your body)
·Hormonal contraceptives (Vonjo may make them less effective; use a non-hormonal method like condoms or an IUD)
·Other drugs processed by the CYP1A2, CYP2C19, or P-gp pathways

FoodFood does not significantly change how Vonjo is absorbed.

Special populations

PregnancyThere is no data on pacritinib use in pregnant women, but animal studies showed it could cause fetal loss and birth defects. Use with caution and discuss the risks with your doctor. It is also recommended that women do not breastfeed while taking this drug or for 2 weeks after the last dose.

BreastfeedingBreastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with Vonjo or for 2 weeks after your last dose because the drug could cause serious harm to a nursing baby.

PediatricThe safety and effectiveness of Vonjo in children have not been established.

GeriatricThere is not enough information from studies on people aged 65 and older to know if they react differently to the drug than younger adults.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

·Complete blood count (CBC)
·Coagulation testing (PT, PTT, etc.)
·Electrocardiogram (ECG)
·Signs of infection
·Signs of bleeding

Questions to ask

·How will Vonjo affect my current blood counts?
·What should I do if I experience sudden bleeding or diarrhea?
·Are there any interactions with my current medications?
·How should I manage my birth control while on this medication?

Pharmacokinetics

OnsetC max achieved within 4 to 5 hours

Half-lifeApproximately 27.7 hours

DurationReaches steady-state within a week

BioavailabilityAbsorption is not significantly affected by high-fat meals

Protein bindingApproximately 98.8%

MetabolismPredominantly metabolized by the CYP3A4 enzyme

Excretion87% recovered in feces, 6% recovered in urine

Practical

OverdoseAn overdose might cause stomach issues, low blood cell counts, blurred vision, dizziness, or sepsis. There is no specific antidote.

Ingredients

Allergens

None identified in provided list

Inactive

microcrystalline cellulose NFpolyethylene glycol 8000 (PEG 8000) NFmagnesium stearate NFgelatin (bovine derived)titanium dioxideblack iron oxideerythrosinered iron oxideshellacpropylene glycolpovidonesodium hydroxide

Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-26.