Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Zolinza

Generic Name: vorinostat (Pronunciation: vor IN o stat)

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

What is vorinostat (Zolinza)?

Vorinostat is used to treat skin problems caused by cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

Vorinostat is usually given after other treatments have been tried without successful treatment of symptoms.

Vorinostat may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of vorinostat (Zolinza)?

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

Stop using vorinostat and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• sudden shortness of breath, chest pain that gets worse with breathing, coughing up blood, fainting;
• pain or swelling in one or both legs;
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
• black, bloody, or tarry stools;
• severe or prolonged vomiting or diarrhea;
• increased thirst or urination;
• dry mouth, confusion, nausea, vomiting, feeling light-headed, fainting, decreased sweating, and hot, dry skin;

Continue taking vorinostat and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;
• headache, tired feeling;
• loss of appetite;
• dry mouth, changes in the way things taste;
• weight loss;
• chills;
• hair loss; or
• muscle spasms.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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

Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

Drink at least 2 liters of water each day to keep from getting dehydrated while you are taking vorinostat. Tell your doctor if you have severe vomiting or diarrhea during treatment.

Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of bleeding in your stomach or intestines. This includes black, bloody, or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Do not crush or open a vorinostat capsule. Swallow the pill whole. The medicine inside the capsule can be dangerous if it gets in your eyes, mouth, or nose, or on your skin. If contact occurs, wash the skin area with soap and water or rinse the eyes thoroughly with plain water. If you must handle a broken capsule, ask your doctor or pharmacist how to safely dispose of it.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.