True polycythemia, also known as polycythemia vera, is a rare blood condition that causes the body to overproduce red blood cells. This can lead to an increased risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack.

Currently, there is no cure for true polycythemia, but a groundbreaking new treatment has just been approved by the European Union.

What Is the New Treatment?

The new treatment, called ruxolitinib, is a drug that targets the genetic mutation responsible for true polycythemia. The drug works by inhibiting the activity of the JAK2 protein, which is mutated in about 95% of patients with true polycythemia.

By blocking the activity of JAK2, ruxolitinib can help reduce the overproduction of red blood cells.

The drug has already been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and has been shown to be effective in clinical trials.

In a phase III clinical trial, ruxolitinib was found to be effective in reducing the number of spleen-related symptoms in patients with myelofibrosis, a related blood disorder also caused by a JAK2 mutation. The drug has also been shown to reduce the number of blood transfusions required by patients with true polycythemia.

How Will the Treatment Be Administered?

Ruxolitinib is an oral medication that is taken twice a day. It comes in the form of a tablet and can be taken with or without food.

Patients will need to be monitored closely by their doctor to ensure that the drug is working effectively and to monitor for any potential side effects.

What Are the Potential Side Effects of Ruxolitinib?

Like all medications, ruxolitinib can cause side effects. The most common side effects include:.

Fatigue
Dizziness
Headache
Nausea
Diarrhea
Constipation
Increased cholesterol levels
Increased risk of infection
High blood pressure
Abnormal liver function tests

Patients who experience any of these side effects should speak with their doctor to determine the best course of action.

Will Insurance Cover the Cost of Ruxolitinib?

The cost of ruxolitinib can vary depending on a number of factors, including the patient’s insurance coverage. Patients should speak with their insurance provider to determine if the drug is covered under their plan.

In some cases, the drug may be covered under a specialty pharmacy program or patient assistance program.

Conclusion

The approval of ruxolitinib by the European Union is a significant breakthrough in the treatment of true polycythemia. For years, patients with this rare blood disorder have had limited treatment options, but ruxolitinib offers a new hope.

As with all medical treatments, patients should consult with their doctor to determine if ruxolitinib is a good option for them.