What is Romidepsin?
The treatment of T-cell lymphoma that affects the skin is with romidepsin (cutaneous lymphoma). After at least one other cancer therapy has failed or stopped working, romidepsin can be given. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of romidepsin.
Side effects of Romidepsin
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.
If you experience any of the following signs or symptoms of infection, call your doctor immediately.
- Flu symptoms, muscle pains, and fever
- Worsening skin symptoms;
- Burning when you urinate
- cough, chest discomfort, and feeling short of breath
Call your doctor immediately if you:
- Are you short of breath and experience chest pain
- Fast or pounding pulse, fluttering chest, sudden dizziness, as if you could pass out;
- Low blood cell count—fever and chills; tiredness; mouth sores or skin sores. Easy bruising. Unusual bleeding. Pale skin. Cold hands and feet. Feeling light-headed.
- Signs of tumor cell breakdown include fatigue, weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea as well as rapid or slower heart rates and tingling sensations in hands or feet or near mouth.
Some of the common side effects associated with romidepsin include:
- Low blood cell counts and infections
- Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite
- constipation;
- itching;
- Tiredness;
- Changes in your sense of taste
There may be other side effects.Need medical advice about side effects? Speak to your physician directly; for FDA reporting purposes you can call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Do not use it other than as directed. Inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking or if you have allergies or other medical conditions.
Before you take this drug
Inform your physician of any of the following issues:
- Heart problems or heart rhythm disorders;
- Long-QT syndrome
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease (especially hepatitis B);
- An electrolyte imbalance can be caused by high or low potassium or magnesium levels in the blood.
- If you have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea,
It may be necessary to perform a pregnancy test seven days prior to starting the treatment. Both women and men who use romidepsin are advised to use birth control methods that prevent pregnancy. Males should use condoms. Romidepsin may harm an unborn child if either the mother or father are taking this medication. Continue to use birth control at least one month after you have taken your last dose. Inform your doctor immediately if you become pregnant. Romidepsin may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal birth control, such as birth control pills and skin patches. Barrier birth control can be used to prevent pregnancy. These include a condom, cervical cap, or diaphragm. This medicine may reduce the likelihood of pregnancy for either the mother or father. Men and women both should use birth control to avoid pregnancy, as the medicine can harm a baby. This medicine should not be taken for at least a week after the last dose.
How to take Romidepsin?
A healthcare provider injects romidepsin into a vein. The medicine should be taken slowly over a period of 4 hours. The 28-day cycle of treatment with romidepsin includes the injection. Only on certain days will you receive the injection. While you receive romidepsin, other medications may be prescribed to prevent nausea and vomiting. After each injection, drink plenty of fluids for 3 days. You could get infected more easily. This includes serious infections that can be fatal. You will require frequent medical tests. You may need to have your heart function checked. You may get hepatitis again, or it could worsen. While taking this medication and for several months afterwards, you may need to have liver function tests.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for Cutaneous Lymphoma T-cell:
14 mg/m2 IV every day on the first, eighth, and fifteenth days of a cycle lasting 28 days; repeat cycle if patient is continuing to benefit from therapy and tolerates it.
Uses: Treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTL) or peripheral t-cell lymphoma in patients who have had at least one prior systemic treatment.
Adult dose for peripheral T-cell lymphoma:
14 mg/m2 IV every day on the first, eighth, and fifteenth days of a cycle lasting 28 days; repeat cycle if patient is continuing to benefit from therapy and tolerates it.
Uses: Treatment of cutaneous T cell lymphoma and peripheral T cell lymphoma in patients with at least one prior systemic treatment.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are unable to keep your appointment for your romidepsin shot, call your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Romidepsin may cause serious heart problems if it is taken with other medications for asthma, high blood pressure, depression, mental illness, or cancer.
Inform your doctor of all the medications you are taking. Many drugs can interact with romidepsin.
- Dexamethasone, or any other steroid medication;
- John's wort;
- Antifungal or antibacterial medicine
- Antidepressants are a type of medication.
- A blood thinner (warfarin coumadin jantoven);
- Heart rhythm medicine;
- Hiv or aids medicine;
- Seizure medicine;
- tuberculosis medicine
This list does not include all drugs that may interact with romidepsin. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
