The Web Health

Subscribe

Farydak

Generic name: panobinostat [PAN-oh-BIN-oh-stat]
Drug class: Histone deacetylase inhibitors

What is Farydak?

Farydak is a cancer medication that inhibits the growth of cancerous cells within the body. Farydak can be used with other medications to treat multiple myeloma in adults who have already received two types of treatment. Farydak has been approved "accelerated" by the US Food and Drug Administration. The medicine was shown to slow the progression of disease in clinical trials. Farydak hasn't been proven to improve symptoms or prolong survival times.

Warnings

Farydak may cause heart problems that are fatal or serious. Seek medical help if you experience chest pains, rapid or slow heartbeats, dizziness, fainting, or swelling of your legs. Farydak may cause serious diarrhea. Contact your doctor immediately if diarrhea is severe or you experience stomach pains. Also, if dehydration occurs (such as increased thirst, reduced urination or sweating, or dry and hot skin), you should call. If you experience bleeding, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or confusion, or if your blood is not stopping, call your doctor immediately.

Before you take this drug

If you have ever:

  • Long QT syndrome is one of the heart conditions that can affect you.
  • Any type of infection
  • Bleeding problems;
  • Liver disease

Panobinostat may pose risks to an unborn child if either its mother or father take this medication during gestation.

  • You may be required to take a pregnancy test if you're female. This is before you begin this treatment. You should use effective birth control during the time you take this medication and at least three months afterward.
  • Use effective birth control if you're a male. Continue to use birth control for at least six months after the last dose.
  • If you become pregnant while taking Farydak, inform your physician immediately.

 

Breastfeeding women must avoid taking this medicine. Farydak should not be used by those under the age of 18.

Similar/related drugs

Darzalex, Blenrep, Tecvayli, Carvykti, Xpovio, Kyprolis, and Elrexfio

How to take Farydak?

Follow all instructions listed on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets that accompany your medicine, and note any dose modifications from your healthcare provider.Farydak can be taken three times per week, or until your doctor says to stop.Take one glass of water each day - either before or after eating.Do not open, crush, chew, or break the Farydak cap. Swallow it whole. A broken capsule should not be used. Do not use a pill that has been broken. Do not continue taking Farydak if it causes vomiting soon after ingestion; otherwise you could end up missing your scheduled dosage and needing medical intervention.Farydak may cause dehydration or severe diarrhea. Some medications are prescribed to prevent diarrhea and other adverse effects. You should take these medications for the prescribed time period.

Your treatment could be affected by the results of your medical tests. The blister pack should be stored in the original carton at room temperature and away from heat, moisture, or light. Only remove a capsule when you are ready to use it.

Details on dosage

Adult dose of Farydak:
The initial dose is 20 mg every 2 days, 3 times per week. (Days 1, 5, 8, 10, 12, 13) Weeks 1 and 2, each cycle of 21 days
Treatment duration: up to 16 cycles of 48 weeks
Continue treatment for 8 additional cycles (16 total cycles) if the patient is clinically benefiting and does not have unresolved serious or medically important toxicity.
The combination of this drug with dexamethasone and bortezomib is recommended. For recommended dosages, consult the manufacturer's product information.
Uses: Treatment for patients with multiple myeloma after at least two prior regimens, including Bortezomib, an immunomodulating agent

What happens if I miss the dose?

When missing a dose, take it as soon as you remember; however if more than 12 hours has elapsed since taking your medicine then do not double up on another dosage at the same time. Never combine doses from different medicines into one single one-step dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Call 1-800-222-1222 if you suspect poison exposure and seek immediate medical care.

What should be avoided?

Some foods can interact with panobinostat and cause side effects; Farydak should not be taken with starfruit, grapefruit or pomegranate products as this could increase their chances of side effects. Use a stool softener or laxative sparingly. They could worsen diarrhea.

Side effects of Farydak

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy to Farydak, seek immediate medical attention: itching, difficulty breathing, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue.

Farydak may cause heart issues that are serious or even fatal. Seek medical help if:

  • Fast or slow heartbeats can cause chest pain.
  • Dizziness or feeling as if you might faint;
  • Blue-colored lips;
  • Swelling in your lower legs;
  • Shortness of breath

If you experience:

  • Diarrhea or abdominal cramps that are severe and persistent;
  • Blushing and bleeding that persist is known as nonstop bleeding.
  • Symptoms of internal bleeding: dizziness or confusion; headache; brown or pink urine; bloody or tarry stool; vomiting blood; or vomit looking like coffee grounds.
  • Anemia (low red blood cell count) pale skin; feeling of being light-headed, short-of-breath, and cold fingers or feet.
  • Signs of Infection: Fever, Chills, Sweating, Trouble Breathing, Cough with Mucus, and Skin Sores
  • Dehydration symptoms: feeling thirsty, hot or unable to urinate properly; excessive sweating or dry and hot skin are indicators.
  • Liver problems: loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right), dark urine, jaundice (yellowing skin or eyes)

Farydak may cause side effects such as:

  • Vomiting, nausea;
  • Fever;
  • Swelling in the arms and legs.

There may be other side effectsCall your doctor if experiencing side effects; for FDA reporting purposes call them directly on 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with other drug

Farydak may cause serious heart problems. You may have a higher risk if you are also taking certain medicines to treat infections, asthma, heart disease, high blood pressure, depression, mental illnesses, cancer, HIV, malaria, or HIV.

Panobinostat may also interact with other drugs, such as prescription or over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.

DRUG STATUS

Availability

Prescription only

Pregnancy & Lactation

CSA Schedule*
Related Drugs
Related Stories

Images