Vorinostat (By mouth)
vor-IN-oh-stat
Treats cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL).
Drug classes
Antineoplastic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Vorinostat is used to treat cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). CTCL is a type of cancer that affects certain white blood cells and causes lesions to develop on the skin.
Vorinostat interferes with the growth of the cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed by the body. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected by vorinostat, other unwanted effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor. Some unwanted effects may not be serious but may cause concern. Some of the unwanted effects do not occur until months or years after the medicine is used.
Before you begin treatment with vorinostat, you and your doctor should talk about the benefits this medicine will do as well as the risks of using it.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Capsule
Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
Swallow the capsule whole. Do not open, crush, break, or chew it.
Drink at least 68 ounces (2 liters) of fluids every day to prevent dehydration.
You may also receive medicines to help prevent nausea and vomiting.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
If a dose is missed:
Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
If you vomit after taking your medicine, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Make sure your doctor knows if you use valproic acid (Depakene®) or a blood thinner (such as warfarin, Coumadin®).
When Not To Use
Do not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to vorinostat, if you are pregnant, or if you have severe liver disease.
Warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, anemia, diabetes, stomach or bowel problems, a mineral imbalance (such as low potassium, calcium, or magnesium in your blood), or a history of blood clots.
This medicine may increase your risk for blood clots. Tell your doctor right away if you have chest pain, trouble breathing, or pain in your lower leg (calf) or if you cough up blood.
This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
This medicine may increase blood sugar levels. Tell your doctor if you have increased hunger or thirst, changes in how much you urinate, or unusual weight loss. Check with your doctor if you notice a change in the results of your blood or urine sugar tests.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
Cancer medicines can cause diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. Make sure to drink enough liquids so you do not get dehydrated. Ask your doctor about ways to control these side effects.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Changes in how much or how often you urinate, increased thirst or hunger, or muscle cramps
Chest pain, trouble breathing, or coughing up blood
Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and body aches
Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body
Pain in your lower leg (calf)
Red or black stools
Severe diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
Sudden or severe headache, or problems with vision, speech, or walking
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or tiredness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Change or loss of taste
Mild diarrhea or nausea
Weight loss
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Zolinza
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
