vorinostat
Pronunciation: vor IN o stat
Brand: Zolinza
Zolinza
100 mg, capsule, white, imprinted with 568 100 mg
![Image of Zolinza Image of Zolinza](https://content.healthwise.net/resources/13.8/en-us/media/medical/multum/zolinza100mg.jpg)
What is the most important information I should know about vorinostat?
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
What is vorinostat?
Vorinostat is used to treat skin problems caused by cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
Vorinostat is usually given after other treatments did not work or have stopped working.
Vorinostat may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking vorinostat?
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- diabetes or high blood sugar;
- a blood clot;
- liver disease;
- an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood); or
- any allergies.
Vorinostat can harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is using this medicine.
- If you are a woman, do not use vorinostat if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose.
- If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose.
- Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using vorinostat.
Do not breast-feed while using this medicine, and for at least 1 week after your last dose.
How should I take vorinostat?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Take with food. Drink at least 2 liters of water each day to keep from getting dehydrated.
Swallow the capsule whole and do not chew, break, or open it. The medicine inside the capsule can be dangerous if it gets in your eyes or on your skin. If this happens, wash your skin with soap and water or rinse your eyes with water, and then call your doctor.
Tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing the capsule whole.
Your blood sugar will need to be checked often, and you may need other blood tests.
Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, especially if you are diabetic and cannot eat or drink normally.
You may be given other medications to help prevent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Keep using these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking vorinostat?
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather.
What are the possible side effects of vorinostat?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- dehydration symptoms --dizziness, drowsiness, feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, hot and dry skin;
- high blood sugar --increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor;
- low platelets or red blood cells --pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red spots under your skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed, cold hands and feet;
- signs of a blood clot in the lung --chest pain, fast heartbeats, shortness of breath, sweating, coughing up blood; or
- signs of a blood clot in your leg --pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs.
Common side effects may include:
- nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
- diarrhea, constipation;
- weight loss;
- swelling in your lower legs;
- dry mouth;
- fever, chills, headache, muscle pain;
- cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, cough.
- dizziness, tiredness;
- itching, hair loss; or
- altered sense of taste.
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 other drugs will affect vorinostat?
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:
- valproic acid; or
- a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven).
This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect vorinostat, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 5.01. Revision date: 12/28/2018.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.