ixabepilone + famotidine

Ixabepilone + famotidine is a therapeutic combination regimen primarily used in the treatment of metastatic or locally advanced breast cancer. Ixabepilone is a semi-synthetic analog of epothilone B that functions as a microtubule stabilizer, binding to the beta-tubulin subunit to induce cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and subsequent apoptosis. Because ixabepilone is formulated in a vehicle containing polyoxyethylated castor oil (Cremophor EL), it carries a high risk of severe hypersensitivity reactions. Famotidine, a histamine H2-receptor antagonist, is administered as a mandatory component of the premedication protocol alongside an H1 antagonist (such as diphenhydramine) and often a corticosteroid. This premedication is typically given intravenously or orally 30 to 60 minutes prior to the ixabepilone infusion to mitigate the risk of infusion-related reactions.

Other names

BMS-247550 + MK-208ixabepilone and famotidine