Zydelig approved for three types of blood cancer

(HealthDay)—Zydelig (idelalisib) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat relapsed forms of blood cancer, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), follicular B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (FL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), the FDA said Wednesday in a news release.

The approval for the three forms of blood cancer covers instances when the cancer returns despite treatment with at least one other therapy, the agency said.

The drug's label will include a boxed warning that the medication could cause liver toxicity, diarrhea, high blood sugar, elevated liver enzymes, high blood triglycerides [a blood fat] and inflammation of the colon (colitis). Other side effects noted during clinical testing included fever, fatigue, nausea, cough, pneumonia, abdominal pain, chills and rash.

Zydelig is marketed by Gilead Sciences, based in Foster City, Calif.