Vorinostat is used to treat a certain type of cancer (CTCL-cutaneous T-cell lymphoma). It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking vorinostat and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions regarding the information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not crush, chew, or open the capsules.

Do not use capsules that are opened or crushed. If your skin or eyes come in contact with the powder inside the capsule, wash the area well with plenty of water and call your doctor.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

To prevent dehydration while taking this medication, drink at least 8 glasses of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters each) throughout the day unless your doctor directs you otherwise.

Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and the risk of serious side effects may be increased.

Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the capsules.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Tiredness, loss of appetite, dizziness, dry mouth, change in the sense of taste, hair loss, headache, or cough may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can also occur and may be severe. Tell your doctor right away if these effects occur. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent or relieve them. Eating several small meals, not eating before treatment, or limiting activity may help to lessen the nausea and vomiting.

Many people using this medication have serious side effects. However, your doctor has prescribed this drug because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your risk.

Persistent vomiting/diarrhea may result in a serious loss of body water (dehydration). Contact your doctor promptly if you notice any symptoms of dehydration, such as unusual decreased urination, unusual dry mouth/thirst, fast heartbeat, or dizziness/lightheadedness.

This medication may infrequently make your blood sugar level rise, which can cause or worsen diabetes. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of high blood sugar, such as increased thirst and urination. If you already have diabetes, be sure to check your blood sugars regularly. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any unlikely but serious side effects, including: pain/redness/swelling of arms or legs, easy bruising/bleeding, unusual tiredness, pale skin, signs of infection (such as fever, chills, persistent sore throat).

Get medical help right away if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: chest pain, trouble breathing.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease.

This drug may cause dizziness. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more details.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: "blood thinners" (such as warfarin), valproic acid.

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Do not share this medication with others.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count, kidney function, blood glucose levels, blood mineral levels including potassium/magnesium) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised March 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.