Romidepsin is used to treat a certain type of cancer
(cutaneous T-cell lymphoma). Romidepsin works by stopping the growth of
cancer cells.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before your first romidepsin treatment and each time you
get another dose. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
This medication is given by injection into a vein by a
health care professional. It is given as directed by your doctor, usually
over 4 hours on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day treatment cycle. This cycle
is then repeated as directed by your doctor.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, body
size, and response to treatment.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a
reminder.
Nausea, vomiting, tiredness, and loss of appetite may
occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
People using this medication may have serious side
effects. However, you have been prescribed this drug because your doctor
has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side
effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your
risk.
This medication decreases bone marrow function, an
effect that may lead to a low number of blood cells such as red cells,
white cells, and platelets. This effect can cause anemia, decrease your
body's ability to fight an infection, or cause easy bruising/bleeding. It
may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal) infection or make
any infection you have worse. Tell your doctor right away if you develop
any of the following symptoms:
- unusual tiredness
- pale skin
- signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away,
fever, chills, cough)
- easy bruising/bleeding
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- chest pain
- fast/irregular heartbeat
- severe dizziness
- fainting
Romidepsin sometimes causes side effects due to the
rapid destruction of cancer cells (tumor lysis syndrome). To lower your
risk, your doctor may add a medication and tell you to drink plenty of
fluids. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms such
as:
- low back/side pain (flank pain)
- signs of kidney problems (such as painful urination,
pink/bloody urine, change in the amount of urine)
- muscle spasms/weakness
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 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
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 receiving 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 (such as hepatitis B)
- heart disease (such as chest pain, heart attack)
- current/recent infection
Romidepsin may cause a condition that affects the heart
rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely
fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe
dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right
away.
The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have
certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT
prolongation. Before using romidepsin, tell your doctor or pharmacist of
all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following
conditions:
- certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT
prolongation in the EKG)
- family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in
the EKG, sudden cardiac death)
Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may
also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you
use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have
conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your
doctor about using romidepsin safely.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Romidepsin can make you more likely to get infections or
may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who has an
infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles,
flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for
more details.
Tell your health care professional that you are using
romidepsin before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact with
people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine
inhaled through the nose).
To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured,
use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid
activities such as contact sports.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially QT prolongation (see above).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using romidepsin. Romidepsin
may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor should order a pregnancy test within 7
days before you start this medication. Men and women using this medication
should ask about reliable forms of birth control during treatment and for 1
month after the last dose. If you or your partner becomes pregnant, talk to
your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication. See
also Drug Interactions section.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this medication and for 1 week after the last dose.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
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:
- disulfiram
- "blood thinners" (such as warfarin)
Other medications can affect the removal of romidepsin
from your body, thereby affecting how romidepsin works. These drugs include
azole antifungals (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole), dexamethasone,
macrolide antibiotics (such as clarithromycin), nefazodone, rifamycins
(such as rifabutin, rifampin), St. John's wort, and some drugs used to
treat seizures (such as carbamazepine), among others.
This medication may decrease the effectiveness of
hormonal birth control such as pills, patch, or ring. This could cause
pregnancy. Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist if you should use
reliable backup birth control methods while using this medication and for 1
month after the last dose. Also tell your doctor if you have any new
spotting or breakthrough bleeding, because these may be signs that your
birth control is not working well.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count,
potassium/magnesium blood levels, EKG, liver function) should be done while
you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab
appointments.
It is important to get each dose of this medication as
scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for
a new dosing schedule.
Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital
or clinic and will not be stored at home.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical
emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call
1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).