belzutifan
What is the most important information I should know about belzutifan?
Belzutifan can cause anemia (low red blood cells) or low oxygen levels. These conditions may need to be treated with blood transfusions, oxygen therapy, or hospitalization.
Call your doctor right away if you have pale skin, tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet, fast heartbeats, or chest pain.
Belzutifan may harm an unborn baby. Both men and women using this medicine should use effective non-hormonal birth control to prevent pregnancy while using belzutifan and for at least 1 week after the last dose.
What is belzutifan?
Belzutifan is used in people with von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL), a rare genetic condition that can cause tumors to develop in certain organs of the body.
Belzutifan is for use in adults with VHL who need treatment for certain tumors of the kidneys, pancreas, or brain and spinal cord. Belzutifan is used when these tumors do not require surgery right away.
Belzutifan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking belzutifan?
Tell your doctor if you have ever had low red blood cells.
Both men and women using this medicine should use effective non-hormonal birth control to prevent pregnancy. Belzutifan can harm an unborn baby if the mother or father is using this medicine.
Keep using birth control for at least 1 week after your last dose. Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs.
Belzutifan can make hormonal birth control less effective, including birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings. Use barrier birth control to prevent pregnancy: condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge.
Pregnancy may be less likely to occur while the mother or the father is using this medicine. Both men and women should still use birth control to prevent pregnancy because the medicine can harm an unborn baby.
Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 1 week after your last dose.
How should I take belzutifan?
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 the medicine at the same time each day, with or without food.
Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.
If you vomit shortly after taking belzutifan, do not take another dose. Take your next dose as scheduled.
Belzutifan can cause anemia (low red blood cells) or low oxygen levels. These conditions may need to be treated with blood transfusions, oxygen therapy, or hospitalization.
You will need frequent medical tests, even if you have no symptoms.
Do not change your dose or stop using a medicine without your doctor's advice.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Keep the tablets in their original container, along with the packet or canister of moisture-absorbing preservative.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose on the same day you remember it. Take your next dose at the regular time and stay on your once-daily schedule. Do not take two doses in one day.
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 belzutifan?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
What are the possible side effects of belzutifan?
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 right away if you have:
- low red blood cells (anemia) --pale skin, tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet; or
- low oxygen levels --shortness of breath, chest pain, fast heartbeats.
Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.
Common side effects may include:
- headache, dizziness, tiredness;
- nausea;
- increased blood sugar (increased thirst or urination, dry mouth, fruity breath); or
- abnormal kidney function tests.
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 belzutifan?
Other drugs may affect belzutifan, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.
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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