zolinza

Zolinza (vorinostat) is used to treat skin problems caused by cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

Zolinza is usually given after other treatments have been tried without successful treatment.

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

Important information

You should not use Zolinza if you are allergic to vorinostat, or if you have severe liver disease.

Do not use Zolinza if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby.

You should not breast-feed while you are using Zolinza.

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

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.

Do not crush or open a Zolinza capsule. Swallow it whole. The medicine inside the capsule can be dangerous if it gets in your eyes, mouth, or nose, or on your skin. If this occurs, wash your skin with soap and water or rinse your eyes with water. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to safely handle and dispose of a broken tablet or capsule.

Stop using Zolinza and call your doctor at once if you have chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood, swelling or warmth in one or both legs, fever, chills, mouth sores, easy bruising or bleeding, bloody or tarry tools, or severe vomiting or diarrhea.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Zolinza if you are allergic to vorinostat.

To make sure Zolinza is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• diabetes;

• liver disease;

• kidney disease;

• anemia (low red blood cells);

• an electrolyte imbalance (such as high or low potassium levels in your blood);

• a history of stroke or blood clot;

• if you have recently been ill with vomiting or diarrhea; or

• if you use a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven) and you have routine "INR" or prothrombin time tests.

Do not use Zolinza if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether vorinostat passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using Zolinza.

How should I take Zolinza?

Take Zolinza exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Zolinza is usually taken once daily with food.

While using vorinostat, you may need frequent blood tests.

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

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

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Zolinza dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma:

400 mg orally once daily with food

Treatment may be continued as long as there is no evidence of progressive disease or unacceptable toxicity.

Zolinza capsules should not be opened or crushed.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

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 Zolinza?

This medicine can pass into body fluids (including urine, feces, vomit, semen, vaginal fluid). Patients and caregivers should wear rubber gloves while cleaning up body fluids, handling contaminated trash or laundry or changing diapers. Wash hands before and after removing gloves. Wash soiled clothing and linens separately from other laundry.

Body fluids should not be handled by a woman who is pregnant or who may become pregnant. Use condoms during sexual activity to avoid exposure to body fluids.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather.

Zolinza side effects

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

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe ongoing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;

• dehydration symptoms - feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin;

• high blood sugar - increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, weight loss;

• low platelets or red blood cells - pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;

• low white blood cell counts - fever, swollen gums, painful mouth sores, pain when swallowing, skin sores, cold or flu symptoms, cough, trouble breathing;

• signs of a blood clot in the lung - chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood; or

• signs of a blood clot in your leg - pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs.

Common Zolinza side effects may include:

• nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite;

• weight loss;

• easy bruising or bleeding;

• tired feeling; 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.

See also: Side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Zolinza?

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Zolinza, especially:

• valproic acid.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with vorinostat, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.