vandetanib
What is the most important information I should know about vandetanib?
Vandetanib can cause a serious heart problem, especially if you also use certain other medicines or have certain conditions. You should not use this medicine if you have long QT syndrome. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines.
You will need medical tests every 2 weeks to 3 months.
Call your doctor right away if you have fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness.
What is vandetanib?
Vandetanib is used in adults to treat thyroid cancer.
Vandetanib is available only from a certified pharmacy under a special program.
Vandetanib may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking vandetanib?
You should not use vandetanib if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- long QT syndrome.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- a heart rhythm disorder (in you or a family member);
- other heart problems, or high blood pressure;
- low blood levels of calcium, magnesium, or potassium;
- abnormal thyroid function tests;
- a seizure;
- breathing problems, cough with bloody mucus;
- liver or kidney disease;
- skin problems; or
- severe diarrhea.
You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.
Do not use vandetanib if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 4 months after your last dose. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 4 months after your last dose.
How should I take vandetanib?
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.
Vandetanib is usually taken once per day, with or without food.
Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush or chew it. Take this medicine with a full glass of water.
If you cannot swallow a tablet whole, place it into a glass with 2 ounces of plain water. Stir until the tablet is dispersed (it will not dissolve completely). Drink this mixture right away. Add 4 ounces more water to the glass, swirl gently and drink right away.
The dispersed tablet mixture can also be given through a nasogastric (NG) or gastronomy feeding tube. Follow your doctor's instructions.
You will need blood tests and an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG) every 2 weeks to 3 months. Your dose or medication schedule may be changed based on the results.
If you need surgery, tell your surgeon you currently use this medicine. You may need to stop taking vandetanib for at least 1 month before having surgery. Follow your doctor's instructions about when to start taking the medicine again.
Do not stop taking vandetanib unless your doctor tells you to. If you stop for longer than 2 weeks for any reason, do not start taking vandetanib again without asking your doctor. You may need an ECG before you start taking the medicine again.
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 your next dose is due in less than 12 hours. 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 vandetanib?
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.
Avoid taking an herbal supplement containing St. John's wort at the same time you are taking vandetanib.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Vandetanib can make you sunburn more easily, for up to 4 months after you stop taking the medicine. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.
What are the possible side effects of vandetanib?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).
You may need to stop taking vandetanib permanently if you have a severe skin reaction.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, sudden dizziness (like you might pass out);
- wheezing, dry cough, feeling short of breath;
- any wound that will not heal;
- severe or ongoing diarrhea;
- unusual bruising or bleeding;
- cough with bloody mucus, vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
- swelling, rapid weight gain;
- headache, confusion, change in mental status, seizure;
- thyroid symptoms --extreme tiredness, dry skin, joint pain or stiffness, muscle pain or weakness, hoarse voice, feeling more sensitive to cold temperatures, weight gain; or
- high blood pressure --severe headache, pounding in your neck or ears, anxiety, irregular heartbeats.
Stop using vandetanib and call your doctor at once if you have signs of a stroke:
- sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body);
- confusion, trouble speaking or understanding what is said to you;
- sudden severe headache; or
- problems with vision or balance.
Common side effects may include:
- high blood pressure;
- diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, loss of appetite;
- headache, tiredness;
- acne, skin rash; or
- cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.
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 vandetanib?
Vandetanib can cause a serious heart problem. Your risk may be higher if you also use certain other medicines for infections, asthma, heart problems, high blood pressure, depression, mental illness, cancer, malaria, or HIV.
Many drugs can affect vandetanib. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
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.
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