Aliqopa

Generic name: copanlisib [ KOE-pan-LIS-ib ]
Drug class: PI3K inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on May 18, 2022.

What is Aliqopa?

Aliqopa is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Aliqopa is used to treat follicular lymphoma that has relapsed after treatment with at least two other medicines.

Aliqopa was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on an "accelerated" basis. In clinical studies, people with follicular lymphoma responded to this medicine. However, further studies are needed.

Warnings

Serious and sometimes fatal infections may occur during treatment with Aliqopa. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection such as: fever, chills, mouth sores, a new or worsening cough, or trouble breathing.

Aliqopa side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Aliqopa (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• a new or worsening cough, chest pain, or trouble breathing;

• severe skin redness, itching, or swelling;

• easy bruising, unusual bleeding;

• signs of infection - fever, chills, cold or flu symptoms, mouth sores, skin sores;

• high blood sugar - increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, headache, blurred vision, fruity breath odor; or

• increased blood pressure - severe headache, pounding in your neck or ears, dizziness, or feeling like you might pass out.

Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.

Common Aliqopa side effects may include:

• infections, bruising or bleeding;

• feeling weak or tired;

• nausea, diarrhea; or

• trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking this medicine

You should not be treated with Aliqopa if you are allergic to copanlisib.

To make sure Aliqopa is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease;

• an infection;

• lung disease or breathing problems;

• high blood pressure; or

• diabetes (copanlisib can raise your blood sugar).

You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.

Both men and women using this medicine should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Copanlisib can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects if the mother or father is using this medicine.

Keep using birth control for at least 1 month after your last dose of Aliqopa. Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using copanlisib.

Do not breastfeed while using Aliqopa, and for at least 1 month after your last dose.

How is Aliqopa given?

Aliqopa given as an IV infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

This medicine must be given slowly, and the infusion can take at least 1 hour to complete.

Aliqopa is given in a 28-day treatment cycle. You will receive the medicine only on certain days of each cycle. Your doctor will determine how long to treat you with this medicine.

Copanlisib affects your immune system. You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. Your doctor will need to examine you on a regular basis.

Your blood pressure will also need to be checked often.

Store this medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Follicular Lymphoma:

60 mg via 1-hour IV infusion on Days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day treatment cycle on an intermittent schedule (3 weeks on and 1 week off).

Duration of Therapy: Until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity

Comments: Accelerated approval was granted based on overall response rate; continued approval may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.

Use: Treatment of relapsed follicular lymphoma (FL) in patients who have received at least 2 prior systemic therapies.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your Aliqopa injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Since this medicine is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid while receiving Aliqopa?

Grapefruit may interact with copanlisib and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products while taking Aliqopa.

Avoid taking an herbal supplement containing St. John''s wort while you are being treated with this medicine.

What other drugs will affect Aliqopa?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Other drugs may interact with copanlisib, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Aliqopa only for the indication prescribed.

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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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