Type of medicine: antineoplastic (anticancer); histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor
Generic and brand names: vorinostat, oral; Zolinza
This medicine is taken by mouth to treat cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). It is used when the CTCL gets worse, does not go away, or comes back after treatment with other medicines.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: This medicine is not usually given to pregnant women because it can harm the baby. If you are pregnant, tell your healthcare provider. Do not become pregnant during treatment with this medicine. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while you are receiving this medicine.
Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. Do not take more or less or take it longer than prescribed. Swallow each capsule whole. Do not chew or break open the capsule. Take this medicine with food. Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of liquids every day while taking this medicine.
If capsules are accidentally opened or crushed, do not touch the capsules or the powder contents of the capsules. If the powder from an open or crushed capsule gets on your skin or in your eyes, rinse well with plenty of plain water. Call your healthcare provider.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.
You will need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Diabetics: This medicine may affect your blood sugar level and change the amount of insulin or other diabetes medicines you may need. Talk to your healthcare provider about this.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Unusual bruising or bleeding; severe nausea and vomiting; fever; unusual swelling, pain or tenderness in the leg; chest pain; increased thirst or urination; increased thirst or urination; fast heartbeat; fainting; severe tiredness; shortness of breath.
Other: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, weight loss tiredness, dizziness, headache, changes in sense of taste, dry mouth, itching, muscle aches, hair loss, chills, cough.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
