What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- Diabetes
- High or low levels of electrolytes, such as magnesium or potassium in your blood
- History of blood clots
- Liver disease
- An unusual or allergic reaction to vorinostat, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- Breast-feeding
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
- Cisapride
- Dronedarone
- Ketoconazole
- Levoketoconazole
- Pimozide
- Thioridazine
This medication may also interact with the following:
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
This medication may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon as chemotherapy can affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your care team tells you to stop.
You may need blood work while taking this medication.
This medication may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your care team if you notice any unusual bleeding.
This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.
Call your care team if you are around anyone with measles, chickenpox, or if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly.
Be careful brushing or flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this medication.
Talk to your care team if you or your partner wish to become pregnant or think either of you might be pregnant. This medication can cause serious birth defects if taken during pregnancy or for 6 months after stopping treatment. A negative pregnancy test is required before starting this medication.
Use a condom during sex and for 3 months after stopping treatment. Tell your care team right away if you think your partner might be pregnant. This medication can cause serious birth defects.
Do not breast-feed while taking this medication and for 1 week after stopping therapy.
This medication may cause infertility. Talk to your care team if you are concerned about your fertility.