Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names:

Generic Name: vandetanib (Pronunciation: van DET a nib)

• What is vandetanib ()?
• What are the possible side effects of vandetanib ()?
• What is the most important information I should know about vandetanib ()?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking vandetanib ()?
• How should I take vandetanib ()?
• What happens if I miss a dose ()?
• What happens if I overdose ()?
• What should I avoid while taking vandetanib ()?
• What other drugs will affect vandetanib ()?
• Where can I get more information?

What is vandetanib ()?

Vandetanib is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their spread in the body.

Vandetanib is used to treat thyroid cancer.

Vandetanib may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of vandetanib ()?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using vandetanib and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• slow healing of a wound or surgical incision;
• severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats;
• fever, chest pain, dry cough, wheezing, trouble breathing;
• feeling short of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain;
• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder;
• severe or ongoing diarrhea;
• black, bloody, or tarry stools;
• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• confusion, vision problems, headache, seizure (convulsions), problems with thinking;
• sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden headache, confusion, problems with speech or balance;
• thyroid symptoms -- extreme tired feeling, dry skin, joint pain or stiffness, muscle pain or weakness, hoarse voice, feeling more sensitive to cold temperatures, weight gain; or
• severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild feeling tired;
• headache;
• mild nausea or stomach pain;
• diarrhea;
• mild skin rash; or
• acne.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about vandetanib ()?

Before you take vandetanib, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, high blood pressure, heart disease, heart rhythm disorder, seizures, skin problems, severe diarrhea, breathing problems, recent stomach or intestinal bleeding, a family history of Long QT syndrome, or low levels of calcium, magnesium, or potassium in your blood.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested often. Your heart rate may also need to be checked using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG). If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using vandetanib. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Do not stop taking this medication unless your doctor tells you to. If you stop taking vandetanib for longer than 2 weeks for any reason, do not start taking it again without your doctor's advice.

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