What is Vandetanib?
Vandetanib can be utilized in adult patients to treat thyroid cancer.Vandetanib is only available from an accredited pharmacy that is part of an exclusive program.Vandetanib could also be used to treat conditions not covered in this medication guide.
Side effects of Vandetanib
Contact emergency medical assistance when you are experiencing symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction (hives, breathing difficulties, or swelling of your throat or face) or an intense skin reaction (fever and sore throat soreness, eye burning, ache, and a red or purple skin eruption with peeling and blisters).
It may be necessary to discontinue taking vandetanib for a long time in the event of a serious allergic reaction to your skin.
Vandetanib may cause serious side effects. Consult your physician immediately in the event that you experience:
- Heartbeats that are fast or rapid, the chest is thumping, and rapid dizziness (like you're going to faint);
- Wheezing, dry coughing, and feeling out of breath;
- Any injury that is not able to heal;
- Persistent or severe diarrhea;
- Bleeding or unusual bruises;
- Cough that is bloody; the vomit looks like coffee grounds;
- Swelling rapidly, gaining weight;
- Headache, confusion, change in mental status, seizure;
- Thyroid symptoms: extreme tiredness drying skin joints pain or stiffness muscles pain or the voice becoming hoarse, or weak and feeling more sensitive to frigid temperatures and weight gain.
- Hypertension—severe headache, pain in your ears or neck, anxiety, irregular heartbeats
Stop using vandetanib immediately and call your doctor right away. If you show indications of stroke:
- Suddenly numbness or weakening (especially on an individual side);
- Difficulty speaking, confusion, or not understanding what's being said to you
- Sudden, severe headache;
- Difficulties with balance or vision.
Common adverse effects of vandetanib could be:
- High blood pressure
- Nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, and loss of appetite;
- Headache, tiredness;
- Acne, skin rash,
- Signs of a cold, like nasal stuffiness, sneezing, and a sore throat.
This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects, and other side effects could be present. Consult your physician for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Vandetanib could cause serious heart conditions, especially if you are also taking other medications or suffer from certain conditions. It is best not to use vandetanib when you suffer from prolonged QT syndrome. Inform your doctor of all medicines you are currently taking.
You'll need medical tests every 2 to 3 months.Get your doctor's attention immediately. If you experience fast or pounding heartbeats, You may also feel a flutter in your chest. You may also experience breathing problems and sudden dizziness.
Before you take this drug
Vandetanib should not be used if you have an allergy to it or are:
- Long QT syndrome.
Inform your physician immediately if you have ever suffered from:
- A heart rhythm disturbance (in the relative);
- Other heart conditions and high blood pressure
- Low levels of calcium in the blood, magnesium, or potassium levels;
- Thyroid function tests that are abnormal
- A seizure;
- Breathing issues, cough, and bloody mucus
- Kidney or liver disease;
- Skin issues
- Severe diarrhea.
You might need to undergo an unfavorable pregnancy test prior to beginning this treatment.
Do not take vandetanib while you are expecting. It could harm the unborn baby. Make sure you use efficient contraception to avoid pregnancy while taking this medication and for at least 4 months following the last dose. Contact your doctor immediately in case you fall pregnant.Avoid breastfeeding during the course of this medication and at least 4 weeks after the last dose.
How to take Vandetanib?
Follow the instructions on the prescription label and go through all medication guides or instructions sheets. The doctor might alter your dosage. Follow the medication precisely as directed.Vandetanib is typically taken once each day, whether or not food is included.Suck the tablet completely, and don't take it apart or chew on it. Take vandetanib with a large cup of fluid.
If you are unable to swallow the tablet completely, put it in an empty glass with two ounces of plain drinking water. Make sure to stir until it has dispersed (it isn't going to dissolve completely). Take this drink immediately. Pour 4 ounces of water into the glass, stir around gently, and drink it right away.The tablet mix may also be administered via the nasogastric (NG) or food tube. Follow the directions of your doctor.
It is recommended to have the results of a blood test as well as an electrocardiograph, or ECG (sometimes referred to as EKG), every 2 weeks to 3 months. The dosage or schedule of your medication could be altered according to the results.If you require surgery, be sure to inform your surgeon that you use this medication. It is possible to be off vandetanib for at least one month prior to having surgery. Follow the instructions of your physician on when you can begin taking the medicine once more.
Don't stop taking vandetanib unless your doctor instructs you. If you stop taking the medicine for more than two weeks due to any reason, don't take vandetanib for the next two weeks without consulting your doctor. It is possible that you will require an ECG prior to starting the drug again.Place it in a cool, dry place free of heat and moisture.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Thyroid Cancer:
Initial dose: 300 mg, taken orally every day.
The duration of treatment Maintain treatment until the disease progresses or toxicity becomes unacceptable.
Use: To treat progressive or symptomatic medullary thyroid cancer in patients with non-resectable localized metastatic or locally advanced cancer.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You should take the medicine as fast as you can. However, take a break from any missed dosage if the scheduled dose comes due within 12 hours. Don't take two doses at the same time.
What happens if I overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact for help at the Poison Helpline at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you are aware of how vandetanib affects your body. Your reaction could be affected.Beware of taking a supplement with St. John's Wort at the same time as you take vandetanib.
Avoid exposure to the sun and tanning beds. Vandetanib may cause sunburn more easily for up to four months after stopping taking the medication. Wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or greater) whenever you go out in the sun.
Interaction with other drug
Vandetanib may cause serious heart issues. The risk is more likely if you take other drugs for infection, asthma, heart issues, high blood pressure, mental illness, depression, malaria, cancer, or HIV.
Many drugs can affect vandetanib. This includes prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and products made from herbs. Not all interactions are included in this list. Inform your doctor of your current medications as well as any medication you begin or stop taking.
