How should I take eflornithine tablets?

The oral form of eflornithine tablets (eflornithine) allows for individual dose adjustment based on the patient's body surface area (BSA). The drug is mainly used for the maintenance phase of patients with high-risk neuroblastoma (HRNB) after completing primary treatments (such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, stem cell transplantation). The goal is to prevent disease recurrence and extend disease-free survival. Its medication cycle is long and needs to be taken regularly and continuously. Therefore, mastering the correct way of taking medication is particularly critical to ensure efficacy and reduce side effects.

Generally, daily doses are based on body surface area for both adults and children. For patients with BSA greater than 1.5 square meters, the recommended dose is 768mg (i.e. 4 tablets) taken orally twice daily; if the BSA is between 0.75 and 1.5 square meters, the dose is adjusted to 576 mg (3 tablets) twice daily; if BSA is between 0.5 and 0.75 m2, use 384 mg (2 tablets); children with smaller body surface areas (0.25 to 0.5 m2) give 192 mg (1 tablet) twice daily. The taking time interval should be maintained once in the morning and once in the evening. It is recommended to take it at a fixed time to maintain a stable blood concentration.

Eflornithine tablets can be taken with or without food, but it is recommended to take them with food to reduce gastrointestinal irritation such as nausea or diarrhea. When taking the medicine, the tablet should be swallowed whole with warm water and should not be chewed or broken to ensure normal release of the medicine in the gastrointestinal tract. At the same time, during long-term treatment, patients are recommended to regularly monitor blood routine, electrolytes, liver and kidney function, etc., and promptly evaluate whether cumulative toxic reactions occur. Especially after the treatment course exceeds 12 months, patients need to be alert to abnormal hearing or neurological side effects.

If you miss a dose during the medication, you should take it as soon as possible. However, if the time for the next dose is approaching, you should skip the missed dose and do not take double the dose. For patients who experience intolerable adverse reactions, dose adjustment or temporary discontinuation of medication should be considered under the guidance of a physician.

Reference materials:https://www.drugs.com/mtm/eflornithine.html