What is Gilteritinib used for?

acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with a FLT3 gene change that came back or did not respond to treatment.

What are the common side effects of Gilteritinib?

Muscle or joint pain. Feeling tired. Changes in liver blood tests. Mouth sores. Swelling in the legs or feet. Diarrhea, nausea or constipation. Cough or shortness of breath. Dizziness or low blood pressure.

When should I call my care team while taking Gilteritinib?

Fever, trouble breathing, cough, chest pain, fast weight gain, swelling, dizziness, or urinating less, which can be signs of differentiation syndrome; Severe headache, confusion, vision changes or a seizure; A fast, pounding or uneven heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, or chest discomfort; Severe pain in the upper belly that may spread to the back, with nausea or vomiting; Bleeding that will not stop, black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, or coughing up blood.

Gilteritinib

Say it: gil-te-RI-ti-nib · Brand names: Xospata

Gilteritinib is a targeted pill that blocks a faulty grow signal in some leukemia cells.

What it is

Some leukemia cells have a change in a gene called FLT3 (FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3) that sends nonstop grow signals. Gilteritinib blocks this signal, which can slow the leukemia and help healthy blood cells come back.

Often used for

acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with a FLT3 gene change that came back or did not respond to treatment

How you get it

Gilteritinib is a tablet you take by mouth once a day. It may take a few months to see the full effect, and many people take it for as long as it keeps working. Your schedule may be different.

Common side effects and what helps

Muscle or joint pain. Gentle stretching and warm baths may help.
Feeling tired. Rest and short walks can help.
Changes in liver blood tests. Your team will check these.
Mouth sores. Rinse with a mild salt and baking soda mouthwash.
Swelling in the legs or feet. Raise your legs when you sit.
Diarrhea, nausea or constipation. Drink plenty of fluids and eat small meals.
Cough or shortness of breath. Tell your team if it is new or getting worse.
Dizziness or low blood pressure. Get up slowly.

Call your care team right away if you have

Fever, trouble breathing, cough, chest pain, fast weight gain, swelling, dizziness, or urinating less, which can be signs of differentiation syndrome
Severe headache, confusion, vision changes or a seizure
A fast, pounding or uneven heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, or chest discomfort
Severe pain in the upper belly that may spread to the back, with nausea or vomiting
Bleeding that will not stop, black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, or coughing up blood

Before you start, tell your team

If you have heart problems, including a heart rhythm problem called long QT
If you have had pancreatitis
If you have low potassium or magnesium
If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
All the medicines you take, including vitamins, herbs and supplements

Good to know

Gilteritinib can cause differentiation syndrome, a serious reaction where leukemia cells mature quickly. It can be life threatening, but it is treatable if caught early. Call your team right away about any warning signs.
It can affect the heart rhythm. You will have heart tracings (ECG) and blood salt tests.
Rarely, it can cause a brain swelling problem called PRES (posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome) or inflammation of the pancreas.
It can harm an unborn baby. Use birth control during treatment and for some months after, as your team advises.

At home

Take it once a day with water at about the same time, with or without food.
Swallow the tablets whole. Do not break or crush them.
If you miss a dose, ask your care team what to do. Do not take two doses to make up for it.
Store at room temperature in the original bottle, away from children.

Questions to ask

What warning signs of differentiation syndrome should I watch for?
How often will I need heart tracings and blood tests?
How long until we know if it is working?
Which of my other medicines could interact with it?

Side effect guides

Sources

Quick answers

What is Gilteritinib?: Gilteritinib is a targeted pill that blocks a faulty grow signal in some leukemia cells. Brand names: Xospata.
What is Gilteritinib used for?: acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with a FLT3 gene change that came back or did not respond to treatment.
How is Gilteritinib given?: Gilteritinib is a tablet you take by mouth once a day. It may take a few months to see the full effect, and many people take it for as long as it keeps working. Your schedule may be different.
What are the common side effects of Gilteritinib?: Muscle or joint pain. Feeling tired. Changes in liver blood tests. Mouth sores. Swelling in the legs or feet. Diarrhea, nausea or constipation. Cough or shortness of breath. Dizziness or low blood pressure.
When should I call my care team while taking Gilteritinib?: Fever, trouble breathing, cough, chest pain, fast weight gain, swelling, dizziness, or urinating less, which can be signs of differentiation syndrome; Severe headache, confusion, vision changes or a seizure; A fast, pounding or uneven heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, or chest discomfort; Severe pain in the upper belly that may spread to the back, with nausea or vomiting; Bleeding that will not stop, black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, or coughing up blood.

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.