SCEMBLIX 40 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS
How to use SCEMBLIX 40 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS
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This page provides general information and does not replace a doctor’s consultation. Always consult a doctor before taking any medication. Seek urgent medical care if symptoms are severe.
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Introduction
Package Leaflet: Information for the Patient
Scemblix®20mg film-coated tablets
Scemblix®40mg film-coated tablets
asciminib
This medicine is subject to additional monitoring, which will allow for quick identification of new safety information. You can help by reporting any side effects you may get. The last section of the leaflet includes information on how to report side effects.
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine, because it contains important information for you.
- Keep this leaflet, you may need to read it again.
- If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their signs of illness are the same as yours.
- If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.
Contents of the pack
- What is Scemblix and what is it used for
- What you need to know before you take Scemblix
- How to take Scemblix
- Possible side effects
- Storage of Scemblix
- Contents of the pack and other information
1. What is Scemblix and what is it used for
What is Scemblix
Scemblix contains the active substance asciminib, which belongs to a group of medicines called kinase inhibitors.
What Scemblix is used for
Scemblix is a medicine for cancer, used to treat adults with a type of blood cancer (leukaemia) called chronic myeloid leukaemia in the chronic phase with positive Philadelphia chromosome (CML-CP Ph+). It is given to patients who have already been treated with two or more medicines for this type of leukaemia called tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
How Scemblix works
In CML-CP Ph+, the body produces many abnormal white blood cells. Scemblix blocks the action of a protein (BCR::ABL1) produced by these abnormal white blood cells, stopping their uncontrolled division and growth.
If you have any questions about how this medicine works or why you have been prescribed it, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
2. What you need to know before you take Scemblix
Do not take Scemblix
- if you are allergic to asciminib or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).
Warnings and precautions
Tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting Scemblix if any of the following apply to you:
- if you have or have had stomach pain that may be due to pancreas problems (inflamed pancreas, pancreatitis).
- if you have or may have had hepatitis B. This is because Scemblix may reactivate hepatitis B. Before starting treatment, your doctor will check if you have signs of infection.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if, during treatment with Scemblix:
- you experience weakness, bleeding or bruising, and frequent infections with signs such as fever, chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers. These may be signs of reduced bone marrow activity, resulting in myelosuppression (a decrease in the number of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets).
- blood tests show you have high levels of the enzymes lipase and amylase (signs of pancreas damage, also known as pancreatitis).
- you have a heart disorder or a heart rhythm disorder, such as an irregular heartbeat or abnormal heart electrical activity called QT interval prolongation seen on an electrocardiogram (ECG).
- blood tests show you have low levels of potassium or magnesium (hypokalaemia or hypomagnesaemia).
- you are being treated with medicines that may have an unwanted effect on heart function (Torsades de pointes) (see “Other medicines and Scemblix”).
- you experience headache, dizziness, chest pain or difficulty breathing (possible signs of high blood pressure, also known as hypertension).
Monitoring during your treatment with Scemblix
Your doctor will regularly check your condition to ensure the treatment is having the desired effect. You will have regular tests during treatment, including blood tests. These tests will check:
- the number of cells in your blood (white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets).
- the levels of pancreatic enzymes (amylase and lipase).
- the levels of electrolytes (potassium, magnesium).
- your heart rate and blood pressure.
Children and adolescents
Do not give this medicine to children and adolescents under 18 years of age.
Other medicines and Scemblix
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. In particular, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using:
- medicines normally used to treat seizures (fits), such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital or phenytoin.
- medicines for pain and/or sedatives used before or after medical or surgical procedures, such as alfentanil or fentanyl.
- medicines used to treat migraines or dementia, such as dihydroergotamine or ergotamine.
- medicines that may have an unwanted effect on heart function (Torsades de pointes), such as bepridil, chloroquine, clarithromycin, halofantrine, haloperidol, methadone, moxifloxacin or pimozide.
- medicines used to reduce blood clotting, such as warfarin or dabigatran.
- medicines used to treat severe intestinal inflammation or painful and rheumatic joint inflammation, such as sulfasalazine or colchicine.
- medicines used to treat cancer, severe rheumatic joint inflammation or psoriasis, such as methotrexate.
- rosuvastatin, a medicine used to lower blood cholesterol levels.
- medicines used to treat high blood pressure and other heart diseases, such as digoxin.
- St. John's Wort (also known as Hypericum perforatum), a herbal medicine used for depression.
If you are already taking Scemblix, tell your doctor about any new medicine that is prescribed for you.
If you are not sure if your medicine is one of the medicines mentioned above, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Scemblix with food and drink
Do not take this medicine with food. You should take it at least 2 hours after and 1 hour before any food. For more information, see “When to take Scemblix” in section 3.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.
Pregnancy
Scemblix may harm your baby. If you are a woman who can become pregnant, your doctor will explain the possible risks of taking it during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
If you are a woman who can become pregnant, your doctor may perform a pregnancy test before starting treatment with Scemblix if necessary.
If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant after starting treatment with Scemblix, tell your doctor immediately.
Contraceptive advice for women
If you are a woman who can become pregnant, you must use an effective contraceptive method to avoid becoming pregnant during treatment with Scemblix and for at least 3 days after stopping treatment. Ask your doctor about the most effective contraceptive methods.
Breastfeeding
It is not known if Scemblix passes into breast milk. Therefore, you must stop breastfeeding while taking Scemblix and for at least 3 days after stopping treatment.
Driving and using machines
This medicine has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines. If, after taking this medicine, you experience side effects such as dizziness or visual disturbances that could affect your ability to drive or use tools or machines safely, you should not drive or use machines until the effect has stopped.
Scemblix contains lactose and sodium
If your doctor has told you that you have an intolerance to some sugars, consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol of sodium (23 mg) per tablet; this is essentially “sodium-free”.
3. How to take Scemblix
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. If you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
How much Scemblix to take
Your doctor will tell you exactly how many tablets to take each day and how to take them.
The recommended dose is 1 Scemblix 40 mg tablet twice a day. Take 1 tablet, and the other approximately 12 hours later.
Depending on how you respond to treatment and any possible side effects, your doctor may reduce your dose or interrupt treatment temporarily or permanently.
When to take Scemblix
Take Scemblix:
- at least 2 hours after any food
- then wait at least 1 hour before eating again
If you take this medicine at the same time every day, it will help you remember to take it.
How to take Scemblix
Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not break, crush or chew the tablets to ensure the correct dose.
How long to take Scemblix
Continue taking this medicine for as long as your doctor tells you. This is a long-term treatment, possibly for several months or years. Your doctor will regularly check your condition to ensure the treatment is having the desired effect.
If you have any questions about how long to take this medicine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
If you take more Scemblix than you should
If you have taken more tablets than you should, or if someone else has taken your medicine by mistake, tell your doctor or go to your doctor immediately. Show them the pack. You may need medical attention.
If you forget to take Scemblix
If it is less than 6 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the usual time.
If it is more than 6 hours until your next dose, take the missed dose and then take the next dose at the usual time.
If you stop taking Scemblix
Do not stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Some side effects may be serious
If you experience any serious side effects, stop taking the medicine and tell your doctor immediately.
Very common(may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
- spontaneous bleeding or bruising (signs of low platelet levels, thrombocytopenia)
- fever, sore throat, frequent infections (signs of low white blood cell levels, neutropenia)
Common(may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
- irregular heartbeat, change in heart electrical activity (QT interval prolongation)
Uncommon(may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
- fever above 38°C associated with low white blood cell levels (febrile neutropenia)
- low levels of all types of blood cells (pancytopenia)
Other side effects
Other side effects are those listed below. If these side effects get worse, then tell your doctor or pharmacist.
Very common(may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
- throat and nose infections (upper respiratory tract infection)
- fatigue, tiredness, paleness (signs of low red blood cell levels, anaemia)
- headache, dizziness, chest pain, difficulty breathing (signs of high blood pressure, hypertension)
- headache
- dizziness
- shortness of breath, difficulty breathing (signs of dyspnoea)
- cough
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- nausea
- abdominal pain (stomach)
- rash
- itching (pruritus)
- muscle pain, bone pain and joint pain (musculoskeletal pain)
- joint pain (arthralgia)
- fatigue (tiredness)
- general swelling (oedema)
- fever (pyrexia)
Common(may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
- fever, cough, difficulty breathing, wheezing (signs of lower respiratory tract infection)
- flu
- loss of appetite
- blurred vision
- dry eyes
- palpitations
- chest pain, cough, hiccups, rapid breathing, fluid accumulation between the lungs and the chest cavity that, if severe, could leave you breathless (pleural effusion)
- chest pain (non-cardiac chest pain)
- severe stomach pain (sign of pancreatitis)
- itchy rash (urticaria)
Uncommon(may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
- allergic reactions that may include skin rash, hives, difficulty breathing, or low blood pressure (hypersensitivity)
Abnormal blood test results
During treatment, your blood test results may be affected, giving your doctor information about the functioning of your organs. For example:
Very common(may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
- high levels of the enzymes lipase and amylase (pancreas function)
- high levels of the enzymes transaminases, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) (liver function)
- high levels of fats/lipids
Common(may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
- high levels of the substance bilirubin (liver function)
- high levels of the enzyme creatine phosphokinase (muscle function)
- high levels of sugar
Reporting of side effects
If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting system listed in Appendix V. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5. Storage of Scemblix
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Do not store above 25°C.
Store in the original package to protect from moisture.
Do not use this medicine if you notice the packaging is damaged or shows signs of tampering.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help protect the environment.
6. Package Contents and Additional Information
Scemblix Composition
- The active ingredient is asciminib.
Each 20 mg film-coated tablet contains asciminib hydrochloride, equivalent to 20 mg of asciminib.
Each 40 mg film-coated tablet contains asciminib hydrochloride, equivalent to 40 mg of asciminib.
- The other ingredients are:
20 mg and 40 mg film-coated tablets: lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose (E460i), hydroxypropylcellulose (E463), sodium croscarmellose (E468), polyvinyl alcohol (E1203), titanium dioxide (E171), magnesium stearate, talc (E553b), colloidal silicon dioxide, lecithin (E322), xanthan gum (E415), red iron oxide (E172).
Only 20 mg film-coated tablets: yellow iron oxide (E172). Only 40 mg film-coated tablets: black iron oxide (E172).
See "Scemblix contains lactose and sodium" in section 2.
Product Appearance and Package Contents
Scemblix 20 mg film-coated tablets (tablets): biconvex, round pale yellow tablets with beveled edges, approximately 6 mm in diameter, engraved with the company logo on one side and "20" on the other.
Scemblix 40 mg film-coated tablets (tablets): biconvex, round white-purple tablets with beveled edges, approximately 8 mm in diameter, engraved with the company logo on one side and "40" on the other.
Scemblix is available in blisters containing 10 film-coated tablets.
It is available in the following formats:
Packages containing 20 or 60 film-coated tablets.
Scemblix 40 mg film-coated tablets are also available in a multi-pack containing 180 (3 packs of 60) film-coated tablets.
Only certain pack sizes may be marketed.
Marketing Authorization Holder
Novartis Europharm Limited
Vista Building
Elm Park, Merrion Road
Dublin 4
Ireland
Manufacturer
Novartis Farmacéutica SA
Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 764
08013 Barcelona
Spain
Novartis Pharma GmbH
Roonstrasse 25
90429 Nuremberg
Germany
Novartis Pharma GmbH
Sophie-Germain-Strasse 10
90443 Nuremberg
Germany
For further information about this medicinal product, please contact the local representative of the marketing authorization holder:
België/Belgique/Belgien Novartis Pharma N.V. Tél/Tel: +32 2 246 16 11 | Lietuva SIA Novartis Baltics Lietuvos filialas Tel: +370 5 269 16 50 |
| Luxembourg/Luxemburg Novartis Pharma N.V. Tél/Tel: +32 2 246 16 11 |
Ceská republika Novartis s.r.o. Tel: +420 225 775 111 | Magyarország Novartis Hungária Kft. Tel.: +36 1 457 65 00 |
Danmark Novartis Healthcare A/S Tlf.: +45 39 16 84 00 | Malta Novartis Pharma Services Inc. Tel: +356 2122 2872 |
Deutschland Novartis Pharma GmbH Tel: +49 911 273 0 | Nederland Novartis Pharma B.V. Tel: +31 88 04 52 111 |
Eesti SIA Novartis Baltics Eesti filiaal Tel: +372 66 30 810 | Norge Novartis Norge AS Tlf: +47 23 05 20 00 |
Ελλáδα Novartis (Hellas) A.E.B.E. Τηλ: +30 210 281 17 12 | Österreich Novartis Pharma GmbH Tel: +43 1 86 6570 |
España Novartis Farmacéutica, S.A. Tel: +34 93 306 42 00 | Polska Novartis Poland Sp. z o.o. Tel.: +48 22 375 4888 |
France Novartis Pharma S.A.S. Tél: +33 1 55 47 66 00 | Portugal Novartis Farma - Produtos Farmacêuticos, S.A. Tel: +351 21 000 8600 |
Hrvatska Novartis Hrvatska d.o.o. Tel. +385 1 6274 220 | România Novartis Pharma Services Romania SRL Tel: +40 21 31299 01 |
Ireland Novartis Ireland Limited Tel: +353 1 260 12 55 | Slovenija Novartis Pharma Services Inc. Tel: +386 1 300 75 50 |
Ísland Vistor hf. Sími: +354 535 7000 | Slovenská republika Novartis Slovakia s.r.o. Tel: +421 2 5542 5439 |
Italia Novartis Farma S.p.A. Tel: +39 02 96 54 1 | Suomi/Finland Novartis Finland Oy Puh/Tel: +358 (0)10 6133 200 |
Κúπρος Novartis Pharma Services Inc. Τηλ: +357 22 690 690 | Sverige Novartis Sverige AB Tel: +46 8 732 32 00 |
Latvija SIA Novartis Baltics Tel: +371 67 887 070 |
Date of Last Revision of this Prospectus: 04/2025
Other Sources of Information
Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the European Medicines Agency website: https://www.ema.europa.eu
- Country of registration
- Active substance
- Prescription requiredYes
- Manufacturer
- This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a doctor before taking any medication. Oladoctor is not responsible for medical decisions based on this content.
- Alternatives to SCEMBLIX 40 mg FILM-COATED TABLETSDosage form: TABLET, 20 mgActive substance: asciminibManufacturer: Novartis Europharm LimitedPrescription requiredDosage form: CAPSULE, 100 mgActive substance: bosutinibManufacturer: Pfizer Europe Ma EeigPrescription requiredDosage form: TABLET, 100 mgActive substance: bosutinibManufacturer: Pfizer Europe Ma EeigPrescription required
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