Idhifa (enasidenib) is a prescription drug used to treat a specific form of blood cancer called acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The drug comes as an oral tablet that’s typically taken once per day.

Idhifa is prescribed to treat AML in adults with a specific gene mutation.

The active ingredient in Idhifa is enasidenib. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Idhifa belongs to a group of drugs called targeted therapy.

This article describes the dosages of Idhifa, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Idhifa, see this in-depth article.

Boxed warning: Risk of differentiation syndrome

Idhifa has a boxed warning about the risk of differentiation syndrome. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Differentiation syndrome is a serious reaction to certain drugs used to treat blood cancers. Symptoms of differentiation syndrome may include:

If your doctor suspects you have differentiation syndrome, they’ll likely prescribe corticosteroid drugs and monitor you closely until your symptoms resolve.

This section describes the usual dosages of Idhifa.

What is Idhifa’s form?

Idhifa is available as an oral tablet.

What strengths does Idhifa come in?

Idhifa comes in two strengths: 50 milligrams (mg) and 100 mg.

What are the usual dosages of Idhifa?

Your doctor will likely start you on a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for AML

The typical Idhifa dosage for adults with AML is 100 mg once per day at the same time every day. You can take this medication with or without food.

If you and your doctor decide Idhifa is working for you, you must take it for at least 6 months to notice any effect. Your doctor may prescribe Idhifa until your cancer worsens or your side effects become severe.

Is Idhifa used long term?

Yes, Idhifa is usually a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.

Dosage adjustments

Your doctor may need to lower your dose of Idhifa if you have severe side effects. Depending on the severity of the side effects, they may have you stop taking the drug.

To learn more about the side effects Idhifa can cause, check out this article, or talk with your doctor.

The dosage of Idhifa you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:

  • the severity of the condition you’re taking the drug to treat
  • any severe side effects you have

Idhifa comes as an oral tablet that you swallow whole. You can take them with or without food, but you should take them at the same time each day.

Do not chew, crush, or split Idhifa tablets. If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips that may make it easier, or ask your pharmacist for suggestions.

For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Idhifa, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Accessible drug containers and labels

Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:

  • have large print
  • use braille
  • feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio

Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.

Let your pharmacist know if you have trouble opening medication bottles. They may have tips to help, or they may be able to supply Idhifa in an easy-open container.

If you miss a dose of Idhifa, take it as soon as you remember, if it’s the same day. Then, take your next dose at its usual time. Do not take two pills in one day to make up for a missed dose. If you’re not sure whether you should take a missed dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

If you need help remembering to take your dose of Idhifa on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.

Do not take more Idhifa than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.

What to do in case you take too much Idhifa

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Idhifa. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Idhifa’s dosage.

How long does it take for Idhifa to start working?

Idhifa starts to work after your first dose. But because of how it works, you likely won’t feel the drug working in your body. Your doctor will monitor you during treatment to be sure Idhifa is treating your condition. After about 2 months, they may confirm the drug’s effectiveness via a blood test and a bone marrow biopsy.

You’ll also know the drug is working if you become transfusion independent. This means that if you used to receive blood transfusions before starting Idhifa, you might not need them anymore.

If you have other questions about what to expect from your Idhifa treatment, talk with your doctor.

Can Idhifa be used for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)? If so, what’s the dosage?

No, Idhifa is not used for CML. Because of this, the manufacturer doesn’t provide recommended dosages for this condition. Tasigna (nilotinib) is a drug that’s approved for treating chronic myeloid leukemia.

To learn more about your treatment options for AML or CML, talk with your doctor.

The sections above describe the usual dosage provided by Idhifa’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends this drug, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. You should not change your dosage of Idhifa without their recommendation. Only take Idhifa exactly as prescribed.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage. Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask:

  • Is a daily dosage of 50 mg of Idhifa likely to be effective for treating my AML?
  • How long can I take Idhifa if it’s working to treat my cancer?
  • What should my dosage of Idhifa be if I’m taking Procardia (nifedipine) for high blood pressure?

To learn more about Idhifa, see these articles:

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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.