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What are Vorinostat Capsules?

VORINOSTAT (Zolinza®) targets specific proteins in cancer cells and stops the cancer cells from growing. It is used to treat certain cancers including cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). This drug might be used to treat other cancers as well.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• blood clots or history of blood clots in veins of legs (deep vein thrombosis, DVT) or lungs (pulmonary embolism, PE)
• diarrhea
• diabetes or high blood sugar
• heart arrhythmias or other heart problems
• nausea or vomiting
• an unusual reaction to vorinostat, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Take this medicine by mouth, with food. Swallow each capsule whole; do not chew or break open the capsule. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

Take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that one, and skip your missed dose. Do not take extra or double doses.

What drug(s) may interact with Vorinostat?

• divalproex
• valproic acid
• warfarin or other blood thinners

Vorinostat may also interact with the following drugs:
• arsenic trioxide
• astemizole
• certain antibiotics (clarithromycin, erythromycin, gatifloxacin, gemifloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, sparfloxacin)
• cisapride
• chloroquine
• daunorubicin or doxorubicin
• dolasetron
• droperidol
• foscarnet
• hawthorn
• levomethadyl
• medicines used to control the heart rhythm (examples: amiodarone, bepridil, disopyramide, flecainide, procainamide, propafenone, quinidine, sotalol)
• medicines used for mental problems, psychosis, or depression (examples: amitriptyline, chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, haloperidol, mesoridazine, perphenazine, pimozide, prochlorperazine, risperidone, thioridazine, ziprasidone)
• methadone
• ondansetron
• palonosetron
• pentamidine
• probucol
• terfenadine

Talk to your prescriber or health care professional before taking any of these medicines:
• acetaminophen
• aspirin
• ibuprofen
• ketoprofen
• naproxen

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Vorinostat?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for checks on your progress. You will need to have regular blood checks and ECG readings to check your heart rate. The side effects of this medicine may continue after you finish your treatment; report side effects promptly.

Drink at least eight (8) 8-ounce glasses of liquids every day. Drinking enough fluids may help to decrease the chances of losing too much fluid (dehydration), especially if you are experiencing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea while taking this medicine.

If you have diabetes or blood sugar problems, continue to check your blood sugar as recommended by your doctor or health care professional. You may need to change your diet or medicine to help control your blood sugar while taking this medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are unable to eat or drink normally because of nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

This medicine may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding. Be careful not to cut, bruise or injure yourself because you may get an infection and bleed more than usual.

Avoid taking aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol®), ibuprofen (Advil®), ketoprofen (Orudis KT®), or naproxen (Aleve®) products as these may mask a fever, unless instructed to by your doctor or health care professional.

Be careful brushing and flossing your teeth or using a toothpick while taking this medicine because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are taking vorinostat.

Do not open or crush the capsules. If the capsules are opened or crushed, do not touch the capsules or the powder contents of the capsules. If the powder gets on your skin or in your eyes, wash the area well with plenty of water. Call your doctor.

Vorinostat should not be used by females who are pregnant or breast-feeding. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child or to an infant. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information.

If you are going to have surgery or any other procedures, tell your doctor you are taking this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Vorinostat?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• dehydration
• signs of decreased platelets or bleeding - bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black tarry stools, blood in the urine
• signs of decreased red blood cells - unusual weakness or tiredness, fainting spells, lightheadedness
• signs of high blood sugar - increased thirst, increased urination, increased appetite, and weakness
• signs and symptoms of a blood clot in the legs - sudden swelling and increased warmth in a leg, pain or tenderness in the leg, especially when standing or walking, skin redness or change in skin color at the site of swelling
• signs and symptoms of blood clots that have traveled to the lungs - sudden sharp chest pain, shortness of breath, blood in sputum, sweating, fast heart rate, fainting, anxiety

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• changes in the way things taste
• constipation
• cough
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• fever
• headache
• itching
• muscle aches
• nausea
• vomiting
• weight loss

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature, 20—25 degrees C (68—77 degrees F).

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.