Description and Brand Names

Drug information provided by: Micromedex

US Brand Name

  1. Synribo


Omacetaxine injection is used to treat chronic or accelerated phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). It is used in patients who have already received medicines for CML that did not work well. Leukemia is a type of cancer where the body makes abnormal white blood cells.

Omacetaxine is an antineoplastic (cancer) medicine. It interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed by the body. Since the growth of normal cells may also be affected by omacetaxine, other side effects can occur. Before you begin treatment, talk to your doctor about the benefits of this medicine as well as the possible risks of using it.


This product is available in the following dosage forms:

  • Powder for Solution

Before Using





Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of omacetaxine injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.


Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of omacetaxine injection in the elderly.


Information about this omacetaxine-subcutaneous-route
Pregnancy Category Explanation



Drug Interactions


Other Interactions


Other Medical Problems


  • Anemia (low red blood cells) or
  • Bleeding problems or
  • Diabetes or
  • Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) or
  • Neutropenia (low white blood cells) or
  • Infection—May decrease your body's ability to fight infection.

Proper Use

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin, usually in the stomach (abdomen) or thigh.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Call your doctor if you have any questions.

You may also be taught how to give this medicine at home. Read and follow the directions in the Instructions for Use sheet before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. Call your doctor if you have any questions.

To use at home:

  • You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area for each shot.
  • Do not inject into skin areas that are tender, red, bruised, hard, or have scars or stretch marks.
  • Do not eat or drink while handling this medicine. Use it in an area away from food or food preparation.
  • Wear disposable gloves and protective eyewear when handling this medicine.
  • Wash your hands before and after wearing the gloves.
  • Do not recap or clip the used needle. This could cause a needle-stick injury.
  • If you get this medicine on your skin, wash the area with soap and water.
  • If you get this medicine in your eyes, flush the eyes with water and call your doctor right away.
  • If you accidentally spill this medicine, do not touch the area unless you are wearing gloves and protective eyewear. Use an adsorbent pad to wipe the spill and wash the area with soap and water. Put all the supplies that were used to clean the spill in the biohazard container and call your healthcare provider right away to report the spill.




  • For injection dosage form:
    • For chronic myeloid leukemia:
      • Adults—Dose is based on body surface area and must be determined by your doctor. At first, 1.25 milligrams (mg) per square meter (m(2)) of body surface area injected under the skin every 12 hours for 14 days. The dose is repeated every 28 days. Your doctor may adjust the schedule to one shot every 12 hours for 7 days during the 28-day cycle.

Missed Dose



Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.


To store syringes at home:

  • Use an ice pack or cooler to carry the syringes from your doctor's office.
  • If placed in a refrigerator, use the syringes within 6 days after you receive them. Do not allow food or drinks to touch the syringes.
  • If placed at room temperature, use the syringes within 12 hours after you receive them.

Do not throw the used syringes, needles, or other supplies in a household trash or recycle container. Put all of the used supplies in the biohazard container and return it to your doctor for disposal.









Side Effects



More common

  1. Black, tarry stools
  2. bleeding gums
  4. blood in the urine or stools
  5. bloody nose
  6. chills
  7. cough
  8. fever
  9. lower back or side pain
  10. painful or difficult urination
  11. pale skin
  12. pinpoint red spots on the skin
  13. rapid weight gain
  14. shortness of breath
  15. sore throat
  16. tingling of the hands or feet
  17. troubled breathing with exertion
  18. ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth
  19. unusual bleeding or bruising
  20. unusual tiredness or weakness
  21. unusual weight gain or loss

Incidence not known

  1. Arm, back, or jaw pain
  2. blurred vision
  4. chest pain or discomfort
  5. confusion
  6. convulsions
  7. decreased urination
  8. deep, dark purple bruises
  9. difficulty with speaking
  11. double vision
  12. dry mouth
  13. fainting
  14. fast, shallow breathing
  16. flushed, dry skin
  17. fruit-like breath odor
  18. headache
  20. hoarseness
  22. inability to speak
  23. increased hunger
  24. increased thirst
  25. increased urination
  26. irritation
  27. joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
  28. loss of consciousness
  29. muscle cramps
  30. nausea
  31. nervousness
  32. pale, clammy skin
  33. pounding in the ears
  34. rapid breathing
  35. slow speech
  36. stomachache
  37. sunken eyes
  38. sweating
  40. thirst
  41. troubled breathing or swallowing
  42. unexplained weight loss
  43. vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
  44. wrinkled skin


More common

  1. Abdominal or stomach pain
  2. back pain
  4. diarrhea
  5. difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
  6. difficulty with moving
  7. hair loss or thinning of the hair
  8. lack or loss of strength
  9. loss of appetite
  10. muscle pain or stiffness
  11. pain in the arms or legs
  12. trouble sleeping
  13. upper abdominal or stomach pain
  14. weight loss

Incidence not known

  1. Acid or sour stomach
  2. anxiety
  3. belching
  4. bleeding gums
  5. bloody eye
  6. bone pain
  7. burning, dry, or itching eyes
  9. darkening of the skin
  10. decreased appetite
  11. depression
  12. double vision
  13. dry skin
  14. ear pain
  15. eye discharge or excessive tearing
  16. eye pain
  17. general feeling of discomfort or illness
  18. hearing loss
  19. heartburn
  20. increased sweating
  21. indigestion
  22. itching skin
  23. muscle spasm, stiffness, or weakness
  24. redness and swelling of the gums
  26. stomach discomfort or upset
  27. stuffy nose

