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Ruxolitinib Tablets by Apotex: A Comprehensive Guide to Inactive Ingredients

As a patient or healthcare professional, it's essential to understand the composition of medications, including the inactive ingredients. Inactive ingredients, also known as excipients, are substances added to a medication to enhance its performance, stability, and safety. In this article, we'll delve into the inactive ingredients found in Ruxolitinib Tablets by Apotex, a medication used to treat certain types of blood disorders.

What are Inactive Ingredients?

Before we dive into the inactive ingredients of Ruxolitinib Tablets, let's briefly discuss what they are. Inactive ingredients are substances added to a medication that don't have a therapeutic effect but play a crucial role in the manufacturing process. These ingredients can include fillers, binders, lubricants, and other additives.

Ruxolitinib Tablets by Apotex: Composition

Ruxolitinib Tablets by Apotex contain the active ingredient ruxolitinib, a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor used to treat adult patients with intermediate or high-risk myelofibrosis, including primary myelofibrosis, post-polycythemia vera myelofibrosis, and post-essential thrombocythemia myelofibrosis.

Inactive Ingredients in Ruxolitinib Tablets

According to the product label and manufacturer's information, Ruxolitinib Tablets by Apotex contain the following inactive ingredients:

H1: Tablet Core

* Lactose monohydrate
* Microcrystalline cellulose
* Croscarmellose sodium
* Magnesium stearate

H2: Coating

* Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
* Talc
* Triacetin
* Titanium dioxide
* Iron oxide yellow

H3: Printing Ink

* Shellac
* Iron oxide black
* Iron oxide red

What Do These Inactive Ingredients Do?

So, what's the purpose of these inactive ingredients? Let's break it down:

* Lactose monohydrate: A filler that helps to bulk up the tablet and make it easier to swallow.
* Microcrystalline cellulose: A binder that helps hold the tablet together.
* Croscarmellose sodium: A disintegrant that helps the tablet break down in the stomach.
* Magnesium stearate: A lubricant that prevents the tablet from sticking to the manufacturing equipment.
* Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose: A coating that helps the tablet dissolve more easily in the stomach.
* Talc: A filler that helps to reduce the amount of active ingredient needed.
* Triacetin: A solvent that helps the coating adhere to the tablet.
* Titanium dioxide: A pigment that gives the tablet its color.
* Iron oxide yellow: A pigment that gives the tablet its yellow color.
* Iron oxide black: A pigment that gives the tablet its black color.
* Shellac: A coating that helps the tablet stick together.
* Iron oxide red: A pigment that gives the tablet its red color.

Conclusion

Ruxolitinib Tablets by Apotex contain a combination of inactive ingredients that work together to enhance the performance and safety of the medication. While these ingredients may not have a therapeutic effect, they play a crucial role in the manufacturing process. As a patient or healthcare professional, it's essential to understand the composition of medications to make informed decisions about treatment.

FAQs

Q: What is the purpose of lactose monohydrate in Ruxolitinib Tablets?
A: Lactose monohydrate is a filler that helps to bulk up the tablet and make it easier to swallow.

Q: What is the role of magnesium stearate in Ruxolitinib Tablets?
A: Magnesium stearate is a lubricant that prevents the tablet from sticking to the manufacturing equipment.

Q: What is the difference between hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and triacetin in Ruxolitinib Tablets?
A: Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is a coating that helps the tablet dissolve more easily in the stomach, while triacetin is a solvent that helps the coating adhere to the tablet.

Q: Why are there different pigments in Ruxolitinib Tablets?
A: The different pigments (iron oxide yellow, iron oxide black, and iron oxide red) are used to give the tablet its color.

Q: What is shellac used for in Ruxolitinib Tablets?
A: Shellac is a coating that helps the tablet stick together.

Sources:

1. Apotex. (2022). Ruxolitinib Tablets Product Monograph.
2. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Ruxolitinib Patent Expiration.
3. FDA. (2022). Ruxolitinib Tablets Label.

Note: The information provided is based on publicly available data and may not reflect the most up-to-date information. It's essential to consult the product label and manufacturer's information for the most accurate information.