Vandetanib Oral Tablet (VANDETANIB - ORAL)

Vandetanib Oral Tablet (VANDETANIB - ORAL)

For treating cancer.

Brand Name(s): Caprelsa

Generic Name: Vandetanib

Instructions

Swallow the medicine without crushing or chewing it.

This medicine may be taken with or without food.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

Please ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist how to discard unused medicines safely.

Tell your doctor if you have severe or persistent sweating, diarrhea or vomiting. These can increase your risk of a serious side effect.

This medicine can make you sensitive to the sun. Use sunscreen or protective clothing when in sun.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is less than 12 hours to the next dose, do not take the dose. Return to your normal dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Avoid touching any powder from a broken tablet. If the powder touches the skin, nose, or eyes, rinse thoroughly with water.

Wear disposable gloves when handling this medicine.

If any powder spills from broken tablets, wipe it up with a damp paper towel and throw away immediately in a closed plastic bag.

Always wash your hands after handling this medicine.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

This medicine may cause blurry vision or increased sensitivity to light. Avoid driving at night.

Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. You may safely start breastfeeding 4 months after stopping treatment.

This medicine can hurt a new baby in the womb. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may switch you to a different medicine.

Women of childbearing age should have a negative pregnancy test before starting this medicine.

Women must use reliable forms of birth control while using this medicine and for 4 months after stopping to prevent pregnancy.

Men with a female partner who is of childbearing age must use reliable birth control during sexual activity while taking this medicine and for 4 months after stopping to prevent pregnancy.

Do not take St. John's wort while on this medicine.

Women who are pregnant or in their childbearing years should not touch or handle this medicine. This medicine can be absorbed through the woman's skin and harm the unborn baby.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Always refill this medicine before it runs out.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • acne
  • decreased appetite
  • diarrhea
  • dry mouth
  • hair loss
  • headaches
  • high blood pressure
  • nausea and vomiting
  • dry skin
  • stomach upset or abdominal pain
  • changes in taste or unpleasant taste

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • severe back pain
  • bleeding that is severe or takes longer to stop
  • chest pain
  • confusion
  • constipation
  • coughing
  • coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
  • severe, watery or bloody diarrhea
  • fainting
  • fever
  • pain, redness, swelling or blistering on hands, feet or elbows
  • severe or persistent headache
  • fast or irregular heart beats
  • signs of kidney damage (such as change in urine color or bubbly urine)
  • mood changes
  • seizures
  • shortness of breath
  • severe stomach or bowel pain
  • bloody or dark, tarry stools
  • symptoms of stroke (such as one-sided weakness, slurred speech, confusion)
  • difficulty adjusting to changes in temperature
  • unusual or unexplained tiredness or weakness
  • blurring or changes of vision
  • severe or persistent vomiting
  • sudden or unexplained weight gain
  • slow wound healing

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.