Omjjara (Momelotinib)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Omjjara Used For?
Omjjara contains momelotinib, a protein kinase inhibitor that helps treat a rare form of blood cancer called myelofibrosis in adults who also have anemia (low red blood cell count).
Primary Uses
Omjjara is used to treat adults with myelofibrosis who have anemia, reduce enlarged spleen size, and relieve disease-related symptoms. It treats both primary myelofibrosis (develops without prior bone marrow problems) and secondary myelofibrosis (develops from other blood cancers like polycythemia vera or essential thrombocythemia).
How It Works
Omjjara blocks certain proteins called Janus Kinases (JAK1, JAK2) and ACVR1. In myelofibrosis, bone marrow is replaced by scar tissue and releases too many small proteins called cytokines. The abnormal marrow cannot produce enough normal blood cells, causing enlarged spleen and symptoms like fever, night sweats, bone pain, and itching. By blocking these proteins, Omjjara helps relieve these symptoms.
New Medicine: This medicine is new or being used differently. Please report any side effects you experience.
How to Take Omjjara
Take Omjjara exactly as your doctor prescribes. You’ll need regular blood tests before and during treatment to monitor your progress and blood cell levels.
Dosage Instructions
The recommended dose is 200 mg taken by mouth once daily, with or without food. Take your tablet at about the same time each day. Your doctor may recommend a lower dose or pause treatment if you experience certain side effects like abnormal bleeding, bruising, diarrhea, or nausea. A different dose may be needed if you have liver problems.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, do not take an extra dose. Take your next dose at its scheduled time. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one when you’re supposed to. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Take Omjjara regularly at the same time each day.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- diarrhea
- low platelet count (blood clotting components)
- nausea
- headache
- dizziness
- fatigue
- feeling weak
- abdominal pain
- rash
- cough
- constipation
- vomiting
- vitamin B1 deficiency
- fainting
- numbness or tingling in arms, hands, legs, or feet
- blurred vision
- spinning sensation
- fever
- low blood pressure
- localized bleeding under skin
- sudden face/neck reddening
- joint pain
- pain in limbs, hands, or feet
- bruising
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- infections (fever, chills, cough, breathing problems, diarrhea, vomiting, pain when urinating)
- low blood platelet count causing prolonged bleeding or bruising
- low white blood cell count increasing infection risk
- liver problems (changes in blood test results)
Important Warnings
Before taking Omjjara, tell your doctor about all medical conditions and medications. This medicine requires careful monitoring and has important warnings for certain groups.
Who Should Not Take Omjjara
Do not use Omjjara if you are allergic to momelotinib or any ingredients listed in the medication. Always check the ingredients to ensure you can safely use this medicine.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: heart problems or history of stroke, hepatitis B (current or past), liver problems, history of blood clots in legs or lungs, recent major surgery, cancer, smoking history, or blood clotting disorders. Also inform your doctor about unusual bleeding or bruising, signs of infection (fever, chills, cough, breathing problems), or if you’re over 65 years old as you may have increased risk of heart problems and certain cancers.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Omjjara could harm your baby. If you’re pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or planning pregnancy, tell your doctor before taking this medicine. Women who could become pregnant must use highly effective contraception during treatment and for at least 1 week after the last dose. Your doctor may require a pregnancy test before starting treatment. Contact your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking Omjjara. Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine and for at least 1 week after your last dose.
Blood Clot Risk: Tell your doctor immediately if you experience sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, leg swelling, leg pain or tenderness, or redness in leg or arm – these may be signs of blood clots.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Omjjara and affect how it works. Tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take.
Contraception: Omjjara may reduce effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Use additional barrier method during treatment and for at least 1 week after last dose.
- rosuvastatin (cholesterol-lowering statin)
- carbamazepine (epilepsy treatment)
- phenobarbital (epilepsy treatment)
- phenytoin (epilepsy treatment)
- St John’s wort (herbal product)
Alcohol & Driving
Omjjara may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Take precautions until you know how this medicine affects you.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. Discuss any alcohol consumption with your healthcare provider.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before driving or using machines or tools until you know how Omjjara affects you. This medicine may cause dizziness or blurred vision in some people, which can influence your ability to drive safely.
Storage
Keep tablets in the original bottle with the desiccant until time to take them. Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children. Take expired or unwanted medicine to any pharmacy for safe disposal.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Omjjara, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26, contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department. Do this even if you have no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
The source doesn’t specify exact timing, but you’ll have regular blood tests to monitor your progress and blood cell levels during treatment. Your doctor will assess how well the medicine is working for your myelofibrosis symptoms.
Yes, Omjjara can be taken with or without food. The recommended dose is 200 mg once daily, and you can choose whether to take it with meals or on an empty stomach.
Do not take an extra dose if you miss one. Take your next dose at its scheduled time. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
No, do not stop taking Omjjara unless your doctor tells you to. Always follow your doctor’s instructions about continuing or stopping this medication.
You should tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. Discuss any alcohol consumption with your healthcare provider to ensure it’s safe with your treatment.
You’ll have blood tests before starting treatment and regularly during treatment to check your blood cell levels (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) and liver function. Your doctor may adjust your dose based on these results.
Patients aged 65 and older may be at increased risk of heart problems including heart attack and some types of cancer. Your doctor will discuss whether Omjjara is appropriate for you based on your individual health situation.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.