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Rezurock

belumosudil

Used for Chronic Graft Versus-Host Disease

Rezurock (belumosudil) is a newly approved medication for the treatment of long-term graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). It's taken once per day with food. It's available as a brand-name medication only, which can be expensive.

Reviewed by:

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP

Allison Gourley, PharmD

Last reviewed on August 25, 2022

Basics Side effects Pros & cons Pharmacist tips FAQs Warnings Dosage Alternatives Latest news Prices Medicare

What is Rezurock (belumosudil)?

What is Rezurock (belumosudil) used for?

Treatment of GVHD in adults and children 12 years and older who didn't respond to at least 2 other treatments

How Rezurock (belumosudil) works

Rezurock (belumosudil) is a kinase inhibitor. It works by blocking certain proteins in your immune system to lower the inflammation and fibrosis (scarring of tissue in your organs) that can happen in GVHD.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsRezurock

Drug ClassKinase inhibitor

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

What are the side effects of Rezurock (belumosudil)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Infection (53%)
Lack of energy (46%)
Nausea (42%)
Diarrhea (35%)
Shortness of breath (33%)
Cough (30%)
Swelling in arms and legs (27%)
Bleeding (23%)
Stomach pain (22%)
Muscle and bone pain (22%)
High blood pressure (21%)
Headache (21%)

Other Side Effects

Fever (18%)
Poor appetite (17%)
Muscle spasm (17%)
Trouble swallowing (16%)
Joint pain (15%)
Rash (12%)
Nasal congestion (12%)
Itching (11%)

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Severe harm to babies: risk of death and severe physical defects in babies

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

Cough
Diarrhea
Nausea
Shortness of breath
Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
Unusual weakness or fatigue

Pros and cons of Rezurock (belumosudil)

Pros

Works well to treat GVHD

Gives hope for those who have failed 2 other types of treatment

Can be used in children as young as 12 years old and in people 65 years of age and older

Cons

Should be avoided in pregnant women

Can only be used after trying 2 standard treatments for GVHD

Brand-name only, which can be more expensive

Pharmacist tips for Rezurock (belumosudil)

Rezurock (belumosudil) interacts with a lot of medications. Before starting Rezurock (belumosudil), make sure to tell your provider about all the medications (prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal products) you're taking, especially if you're taking acid reflux medications called proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole (Prilosec) or pantoprazole (Protonix)). Don't start any new medications while taking Rezurock (belumosudil) without talking to your provider or pharmacist first.

Keep Rezurock (belumosudil) in it's original container to protect it from light and moisture. Make sure to close the bottle cap tightly each time after taking your dose. Don't throw away the drying packet inside the bottle.

Take Rezurock (belumosudil) with a full meal around the same time every day. Swallow the tablets whole, don't cut, chew, or crush the tablets.

Be sure to let your provider know if you experience any side effects while taking Rezurock (belumosudil). Depending on the type or severity of the side effect, they might have you stop taking the medication altogether.

Frequently asked questions about Rezurock (belumosudil)

What is chronic (long-term) graft-versus-host disease?

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a serious complication that can happen after receiving a stem cell transplant, which is when you receive stem cells from donated blood. GVHD occurs when the donor T cells, which are cells that help protect the body, think your healthy cells are foreign and attack them. Acute GVHD occurs within 100 days of your transplant, and chronic GVHD occurs after 100 days and can affect multiple organs in your body. Rezurock (belumosudil) is used for people with chronic GVHD.

How well does Rezurock (belumosudil) work?

In clinical studies, 75% of people taking Rezurock (belumosudil) had improvement in their GVHD. On average, an improvement was seen after taking Rezurock (belumosudil) for about 2 months, and the improvement lasted about 2 months.

Can I be started on Rezurock (belumosudil) right away after my chronic GVHD diagnosis?

No, Rezurock (belumosudil) is only for people who tried but didn't have success with two prior GVHD treatments, which is typically corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, like rituximab (Rituxan) or methotrexate.

Do I need to take Rezurock (belumosudil) with food?

Yes, you need to take Rezurock (belumosudil) with a full meal at about the same time every day. This is because the medication needs food to get absorbed into your body in order for it to work.

Can I take Rezurock (belumosudil) if I'm pregnant?

No, Rezurock (belumosudil) shouldn't be used if you're pregnant because there's a chance it can cause death and severe physical abnormalities in your baby. Females of reproductive potential and males with female partners of reproductive potential who are taking Rezurock (belumosudil) should use reliable birth control during treatment and for at least 1 week after the last dose of Rezurock (belumosudil). Tell your provider if you're pregnant or thinking of getting pregnant before starting Rezurock (belumosudil).

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What are the risks and warnings for Rezurock (belumosudil)?

Rezurock (belumosudil) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Severe harm to babies

Risk factors: Currently pregnant | Women of childbearing age | Males who have a female partner of childbearing age

Based on animal studies, Rezurock (belumosudil) shouldn't be used in pregnant females due to a risk of death or severe physical abnormalities (defects) in babies. Females of childbearing age and men with female partners of childbearing age who are prescribed Rezurock (belumosudil) should use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 1 week after the last dose of Rezurock (belumosudil). If you're pregnant or thinking of getting pregnant, talk to your provider before starting Rezurock (belumosudil).

Rezurock (belumosudil) dosage forms

Typical dosing for Rezurock (belumosudil)

The typical dose is 200 mg by mouth once per day with food. Your dose might differ if you're taking a medication that interacts with Rezurock (belumosudil) (see Pharmacist Tips section).

What are alternatives to Rezurock (belumosudil)?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Rezurock (belumosudil). Compare a few possible alternatives below.

Rezurock (belumosudil)

Used for:

Treatment of GVHD in adults and children 12 years and older who didn't respond to at least 2 other treatments

View Prices

Orencia (abatacept)

Used for:

Moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in adults
Moderate-to-severe polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) in children ages 2 years and older
Prevention of short-term graft versus host disease (GVHD) in combination with a calcineurin inhibitor and methotrexate in adults and children ages 2 years and older