Vandetanib (Monograph)

Brand name: Caprelsa
Drug class: Antineoplastic Agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Apr 10, 2025. Written by ASHP.

Warning

Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS):

FDA approved a REMS for vandetanib to ensure that the benefits outweigh the risks. The REMS may apply to one or more preparations of vandetanib and consists of the following: elements to assure safe use and implementation system. See https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/rems/.

Warning

Risk of QT interval prolongation, torsades de pointes, ventricular tachycardia, and sudden death. Do not use in patients with long QT syndrome, hypocalcemia, hypokalemia, or hypomagnesemia. Correct hypocalcemia, hypokalemia, and/or hypomagnesemia before administering vandetanib.
Monitor serum electrolytes periodically.
Avoid concomitant use with drugs known to prolong QT interval.

Available only through the CAPRELSA REMS Program. Only prescribers and pharmacies certified with the program can prescribe and dispense vandetanib.

Introduction

Antineoplastic agent; an inhibitor of multiple receptor tyrosine kinases.

Uses for Vandetanib

Medullary Thyroid Cancer

Treatment of symptomatic or progressive medullary thyroid cancer in patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic disease (designated an orphan drug by FDA for this use).

Use in patients with indolent, asymptomatic, or slowly progressing disease only after careful consideration of treatment-related risks of the drug.

Guidelines generally support the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors, including vandetanib, in the first-line treatment of progressive and metastatic medullary thyroid cancer.

Vandetanib Dosage and Administration

General

Pretreatment Screening

Measure ECG, serum electrolytes (i.e., calcium, magnesium, potassium), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations at baseline.
Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating treatment with vandetanib.

Patient Monitoring

Measure ECG, serum electrolytes (i.e., calcium, magnesium, potassium), and TSH concentrations 2–4 weeks and 8–12 weeks after initiating vandetanib, and then every 3 months thereafter.
Following dosage reduction for QT prolongation or therapy interruption lasting >2 weeks, monitor ECG 2–4 weeks and 8–12 weeks after resuming vandetanib, and then every 3 months thereafter.
If diarrhea occurs, monitor electrolytes and ECG frequently.
In patients with moderate renal impairment, closely monitor QT interval.
If a drug known to prolong the QT interval is given to patients already receiving vandetanib and no alternative therapy exists, perform ECG monitoring of the QT interval more frequently.
Monitor for manifestations of heart failure.
Monitor blood pressure.
Perform ophthalmologic examination, including slit lamp examinations, in patients who report visual changes.
Adverse reactions, including QT interval prolongation, may not resolve fully until approximately three plasma half-lives of the drug. Monitor patients closely.

Dispensing and Administration Precautions

Consult specialized references for procedures for proper handling and disposal of antineoplastics.

REMS

FDA requires a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) for vandetanib because of risk of QT interval prolongation, torsades de pointes, and sudden death.
Available only under a restricted distribution program (CAPRELSA REMS Program). Contact 800-817-2722 or visit [Web] for additional information and to enroll in the program for vandetanib.

Other General Considerations

Discontinue vandetanib ≥1 month prior to scheduled surgery. Do not resume vandetanib for ≥2 weeks following major surgery and until adequate wound healing has occurred.
Use sun protection during vandetanib therapy and for ≥4 months after discontinuance of the drug.

Administration

Oral Administration

Administer tablets orally once daily without regard to meals; do not crush tablets.

If a dose is missed, do not take the missed dose if it is <12 hours until the next scheduled dose.

If tablets cannot be swallowed whole, prepare dispersion by placing tablet in a glass containing 60 mL of noncarbonated water (do not use other liquids). Without crushing the tablet, stir water for approximately 10 minutes until tablet is dispersed; tablet will not completely dissolve. Swallow aqueous dispersion immediately; to ensure full dose is administered, mix any residue in the glass with an additional 120 mL of noncarbonated water and swallow.

Avoid direct contact of accidentally crushed tablets with skin. If such contact occurs, wash affected area thoroughly.

NG or Gastrostomy Tube

May administer aqueous dispersion through a nasogastric or gastrostomy tube.

Dosage

Adults

Medullary Thyroid Cancer

Oral

300 mg once daily. Continue therapy until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs.

Dosage Modification for Toxicity

Oral

If grade 3 or greater toxicity occurs, interrupt vandetanib therapy. When toxicity resolves or improves to grade 1, resume at a reduced dosage. Adjust dosage in decrements of 100 mg daily (i.e., from 300 to 200 mg daily, from 200 to 100 mg daily).

Dosage Modification for Cardiovascular Toxicity

Oral

If QT_cF interval >500 msec, interrupt vandetanib therapy. When QT_cF returns to <450 msec, resume vandetanib at a reduced dosage.

If hypertension occurs, may need to reduce dosage or interrupt therapy to control BP. If hypertension cannot be controlled, do not resume.

If heart failure occurs, consider discontinuation of vandetanib therapy.

Dosage Modification for Dermatologic Toxicity

Oral

If severe skin reactions occur, permanently discontinue vandetanib therapy and refer patient for urgent medical evaluation. Systemic therapy (e.g., corticosteroids) may be required.

Dosage Modification for Diarrhea

Oral

If severe diarrhea occurs, interrupt vandetanib therapy. When diarrhea improves, resume at a reduced dosage.

Special Populations

Hepatic Impairment

Do not use in patients with moderate (Child-Pugh class B) or severe (Child-Pugh class C) hepatic impairment.

Renal Impairment

Reduce initial dosage to 200 mg once daily in patients with moderate (Cl_cr of 30–49 mL/minute) renal impairment.

Not recommended for use in patients with severe (Cl_cr <30 mL/minute) renal impairment.

Use in patients with end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis: not evaluated.

Geriatric Patients

Manufacturer makes no specific dosage recommendations in patients ≥65 years of age.

Cautions for Vandetanib

Contraindications

Congenital long QT syndrome.

Warnings/Precautions

Warnings

Prolongation of QT Interval and Torsades de Pointes

QT interval prolongation, torsades de pointes, ventricular tachycardia, and sudden death reported (see Boxed Warning).

Do not initiate vandetanib therapy in patients with QT_cF interval >450 msec. Do not use in patients with a history of torsades de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome, bradyarrhythmias, uncompensated heart failure, or in patients with electrolyte disturbances; correct hypocalcemia, hypokalemia, and/or hypomagnesemia before administering.

Monitor ECG, serum electrolytes (i.e., calcium, magnesium, potassium), and TSH concentrations at baseline, at 2–4 weeks and 8–12 weeks after initiating vandetanib, and then every 3 months thereafter. Following dosage reduction for QT interval prolongation or therapy interruption lasting >2 weeks, monitor ECG as described above. Maintain serum potassium concentrations at ≥4 mEq/L (within normal range) and serum magnesium and calcium concentrations within normal range.

Vandetanib exposure is increased in patients with impaired renal function. Reduce initial vandetanib dosage to 200 mg in patients with moderate renal impairment and monitor QT interval frequently.

Monitor electrolytes and ECG more frequently in patients who experience diarrhea.

Avoid concomitant use with drugs known to prolong QT interval. If concomitant use cannot be avoided, monitor ECG more frequently.

If QT_cF interval >500 msec, interrupt vandetanib therapy. When QT_cF interval returns to <450 msec, resume at a reduced dosage.

Other Warnings and Precautions

Severe Skin Reactions

Severe, sometimes fatal, skin reactions (including toxic epidermal necrolysis [TEN] and Stevens-Johnson syndrome) reported.

If severe skin reactions occur, permanently discontinue vandetanib and refer patient for urgent medical evaluation. Systemic therapy (e.g., corticosteroids) may be required.

Photosensitivity reactions may occur during therapy and up to 4 months after discontinuation.

Interstitial Lung Disease

Interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis, sometimes fatal, reported.

Consider possible interstitial lung disease in patients presenting with nonspecific respiratory signs or symptoms.

In case of acute or worsening pulmonary symptoms, temporarily interrupt vandetanib therapy.

If interstitial lung disease is confirmed, discontinue vandetanib.

Ischemic Cerebrovascular Events

Ischemic cerebrovascular events reported. Discontinue vandetanib in patients who experience a severe ischemic cerebrovascular event. Safety of resuming vandetanib therapy after resolution of an ischemic cerebrovascular event not studied.

Hemorrhage

Serious, sometimes fatal, hemorrhagic events reported. Do not use in patients with a recent history of hemoptysis (≥2.5 mL of red blood). Discontinue in patients with severe hemorrhage.

Heart Failure

Heart failure reported; monitor for manifestations. If heart failure occurs, may need to discontinue vandetanib; heart failure may not be reversible following discontinuance.

Hypertension

Hypertension and hypertensive crisis reported. Monitor and control BP in all patients as appropriate. May need to reduce dosage or interrupt vandetanib therapy. If hypertension cannot be controlled, do not resume vandetanib.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea occurs frequently. Routine use of antidiarrheal drugs recommended.

Monitor serum electrolytes and ECG carefully and more frequently in patients with diarrhea.

If severe diarrhea occurs, interrupt vandetanib therapy. When symptoms improve, resume at a reduced dosage.

Hypothyroidism

Increases in dosages of thyroid replacement therapy were required in 49% of patients in a phase 3 clinical study.

Monitor TSH concentrations at baseline, at 2–4 weeks and 8–12 weeks after initiating vandetanib, and then every 3 months thereafter.

If manifestations of hypothyroidism occur, determine thyroid hormone concentrations and adjust thyroid replacement therapy accordingly.

Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome

Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS) reported.

Consider possible RPLS in patients presenting with seizures, headache, visual disturbances, confusion, or altered mental function.

If RPLS occurs, discontinue vandetanib.

Renal Failure

Renal failure reported; withhold, reduce, or permanently discontinue vandetanib therapy based on severity.

Reduce the starting dose of vandetanib in moderate renal impairment. Notrecommended for use in severe renal impairment.

Impaired Wound Healing

Potential risk of impaired wound healing in patients receiving drugs that inhibit the VEGF signaling pathway, including vandetanib.

The manufacturer recommends that vandetanib be discontinued ≥1 month prior to scheduled surgery. Do not administer vandetanib for at least 2 weeks following major surgery and until adequate wound healing has occurred.

Safety of resuming vandetanib after resolution of wound healing complications not established.

Fetal/Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality

May cause fetal harm. Embryotoxic, fetotoxic, and teratogenic in animals.

Advise females of reproductive potential, and males with female partners of reproductive potential, to use effective contraception during treatment with vandetanib and for 4 months following the last dose. If used during pregnancy or if patient becomes pregnant, apprise of potential fetal hazard.

Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Based on its mechanism of action and animal findings, may cause fetal harm.

Advise patients of the potential hazard to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential, and males with female partners of reproductive potential, to use effective contraception during treatment with vandetanib and for 4 months following the last dose.

Lactation

Distributed into milk in rats; not known whether distributed into human milk. Advise females not to breast-feed during vandetanib therapy and for 4 months after the final dose.

Females and Males of Reproductive Potential

Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating treatment with vandetanib. Advise females of reproductive potential, and males with female partners of reproductive potential, to use effective contraception during treatment with vandetanib and for 4 months after the final dose.

No data on the effects of vandetanib on human fertility. Based on animal studies, may impair male and female fertility.

Pediatric Use

Safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients.

Geriatric Use

Insufficient numbers of patients ≥65 years of age included in studies to determine whether they respond differently compared with younger adults.

Hepatic Impairment

Safety and efficacy not established in patients with moderate (Child-Pugh class B) or severe (Child-Pugh class C) hepatic impairment; use not recommended in these patients.

Renal Impairment

A lower initial dosage is recommended in patients with moderate (Cl_cr of 30–49 mL/minute) renal impairment. Monitor ECG closely. Not recommended for use in patients with severe (Cl_cr <29 mL/minute) renal impairment.

Not evaluated systematically in patients with end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis.

Common Adverse Effects

Adverse effects (reported in >20% of patients): Diarrhea/colitis, rash, acneiform dermatitis, hypertension, nausea, headache, upper respiratory tract infections, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, hypocalcemia, increased ALT concentrations, hypoglycemia.

Drug Interactions

Metabolized partially by CYP3A4.

Drugs Affecting Hepatic Microsomal Enzymes

Potent inhibitors of CYP3A4: No clinically important interaction.

Potent inducers of CYP3A4: Potential decreased plasma vandetanib concentrations.

Drugs that Prolong QT Interval

Potential additive effect on QT interval prolongation. Avoid concomitant use. If concomitant use cannot be avoided, monitor ECG more frequently.

Drugs Affecting OCT2

Possible increase in concentrations of drugs that are transported by the organic cation transporter type 2 (OCT2). Use caution and closely monitor for toxicities when vandetanib is used concomitantly with drugs that are transported by OCT2.

Specific Drugs

Drug	Interaction	Comments
Antiarrhythmic agents, class Ia and III (e.g., amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol)	Possible additive effect on QT interval prolongation	Avoid concomitant use; if concomitant use cannot be avoided, monitor ECG more frequently
Antiemetic agents that prolong QT interval, type 3 serotonin (5-HT3) receptor antagonists (e.g., dolasetron, granisetron, ondansetron)	Possible additive effect on QT interval prolongation	Avoid concomitant use; if concomitant use is necessary, granisetron preferred by some clinicians because of less pronounced effects on ECG intervals compared with dolasetron or ondansetron Monitor ECG more frequently during concomitant use
Antimycobacterials (rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine)	Possible decrease in plasma vandetanib concentrations	Avoid concomitant use
Antipsychotic agents that prolong QT interval (e.g., chlorpromazine, haloperidol, olanzapine, pimozide, quetiapine, thioridazine, ziprasidone)	Possible additive effect on QT interval prolongation	Avoid concomitant use; if concomitant use cannot be avoided, monitor ECG more frequently
Chloroquine	Possible additive effect on QT interval prolongation	Avoid concomitant use; if concomitant use cannot be avoided, monitor ECG more frequently
Clarithromycin	Possible additive effect on QT interval prolongation	Avoid concomitant use; if concomitant use cannot be avoided, monitor ECG more frequently
Dexamethasone	Possible decrease in plasma vandetanib concentrations	Avoid concomitant use
Digoxin	Possible increase in plasma digoxin concentrations	Use concomitantly with caution and closely monitor for digoxin toxicity
Itraconazole	Pharmacokinetic interaction unlikely
Metformin	Possible increase in plasma metformin concentrations	Use concomitantly with caution and closely monitor for metformin toxicity
Methadone	Possible additive effect on QT interval prolongation	Avoid concomitant use; if concomitant use cannot be avoided, monitor ECG more frequently
Midazolam	No clinically important effects on pharmacokinetics of midazolam (CYP 3A4 substrate)
Moxifloxacin	Possible additive effect on QT interval prolongation	Avoid concomitant use; if concomitant use cannot be avoided, monitor ECG more frequently
Omeprazole	Pharmacokinetic interaction unlikely
St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)	Possible unpredictable decreases in plasma vandetanib concentrations	Avoid concomitant use

Vandetanib Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Bioavailability

Following oral administration, peak plasma concentrations are attained within 4–10 hours.

Steady-state concentrations achieved after approximately 3 months.

Food

Food has no effect on exposure.

Special Populations

Following administration of a single 800-mg dose, AUC was comparable between individuals with mild (Child-Pugh class A), moderate (Child-Pugh class B), or severe (Child-Pugh class C) hepatic impairment and individuals with normal hepatic function.

Following administration of a single 800-mg dose, mean AUC was comparable between individuals with mild renal impairment and individuals with normal renal function; however, in individuals with moderate or severe renal impairment, mean AUC of vandetanib was increased by 39 or 41%, respectively, compared with individuals with normal renal function.

Higher systemic exposure in Japanese and Chinese patients compared with Caucasian patients receiving the same dose.

Pharmacokinetics not evaluated in pediatric patients.

Distribution

Extent

Not known whether vandetanib is distributed into human milk.

Plasma Protein Binding

90–94% (mainly albumin and α₁-acid glycoprotein).

Elimination

Metabolism

Metabolized by CYP3A4 and by flavin-containing monooxygenase enzymes FM01 and FM03 to N-desmethyl-vandetanib and vandetanib-N-oxide, respectively.

Elimination Route

Eliminated in feces (63%) and urine (25%) as unchanged drug or metabolites.

Half-life

Median plasma half-life: 19 days.

Special Populations

No relationship between clearance and age or sex.

Following administration of a single 800-mg dose, mean clearance was comparable between individuals with mild, moderate, or severe hepatic impairment and individuals with normal hepatic function.

Following administration of a single 800-mg dose, mean clearance was comparable between individuals with mild renal impairment and individuals with normal renal function.

Stability

Storage

Oral

Tablets

25°C (excursions permitted between 15–30°C).

Actions

Inhibits multiple receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), which are involved in the initiation of various cascades of intracellular signaling events that lead to cell proliferation and/or influence processes critical to cell survival and tumor progression (e.g., angiogenesis, metastasis, inhibition of apoptosis).
Various tyrosine kinases and pathways are abnormally activated in medullary thyroid carcinoma cells (e.g., rearranged during transfection [RET] proto-oncogene signaling is associated with development of hereditary medullary thyroid cancer).
In vitro, shown to inhibit activity of multiple receptor tyrosine kinases, including vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (i.e., VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, VEGFR-3), members of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family, RET, protein tyrosine kinase 6 (BRK), TIE2, members of the EPH receptor kinase family, and members of the Src family of tyrosine kinases.
The N-desmethyl metabolite of the drug, which represents 7 to 17.1% of vandetanib exposure, has similar inhibitory activity to the parent compound for VEGF receptors (KDR and Flt-1) and EGFR.
In vivo, shown to reduce tumor cell-induced angiogenesis and tumor vessel permeability; also shown to inhibit tumor growth and metastasis in mouse models of cancer.

Advice to Patients

A copy of the manufacturer’s patient information (medication guide) for vandetanib must be provided to all patients with each prescription of the drug. Advise patients to read the medication guide prior to initiation of therapy and each time the prescription is refilled.
Stress importance of not crushing vandetanib tablets. Avoid direct contact of crushed tablets with the skin or mucous membranes.
If a dose is missed, do not take the missed dose if it is <12 hours before the next dose.
Risk of QT interval prolongation, torsades de pointes, ventricular tachycardia, and sudden death. Stress importance of regular monitoring of ECG and serum electrolytes. Contact clinician promptly if feelings of lightheadedness or faintness or an irregular heartbeat occurs.
Risk of photosensitivity/phototoxicity reactions. Use sunscreen and protective clothing and limit sun exposure during therapy and for at least 4 months after discontinuance of the drug.
Risk of severe adverse dermatologic effects. Contact clinician promptly if dermatologic manifestations (e.g., rash; acne; dry skin; itching; blisters on skin or in mouth; peeling; fever; muscle or joint aches; redness or swelling of face, hands, or soles of feet) occur.
Risk of interstitial lung disease. Promptly report new or worsening respiratory manifestations (e.g., shortness of breath, persistent cough, fever).
Risk of diarrhea. Contact clinician if diarrhea occurs.
Risk of reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS). Contact clinician promptly if seizures, headache, visual disturbances, confusion, or difficulty thinking occurs.
Risk of impaired wound healing. Inform clinician of any planned surgical procedure.
Advise females of reproductive potential, and male partners of females of reproductive potential, to use an effective method of contraception while receiving vandetanib and for 4 months after discontinuance. Advise females to contact their clinician if they become pregnant, or if pregnancy is suspected, during treatment with vandetanib. Discontinue nursing while receiving vandetanib therapy and for 4 months after the final dose.
Risk of blurred vision. Avoid driving a vehicle or operating machinery if blurred vision occurs.
Stress importance of informing clinician of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs and herbal supplements, as well as any concomitant illnesses (e.g., hepatic or renal impairment, cardiovascular disease).
Inform patients of other important precautionary information.

Additional Information

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided in the accompanying monograph was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. Readers are advised that decisions regarding use of drugs are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and that the information contained in the monograph is provided for informational purposes only. The manufacturer’s labeling should be consulted for more detailed information. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information contained in the monograph is not a substitute for medical care. For further information on the handling of antineoplastic agents, see the ASHP Guidelines on Handling Hazardous Drugs at [Web].

Preparations

Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.

Please refer to the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center for information on shortages of one or more of these preparations.

Distribution of vandetanib is restricted. Contact 800-817-2722 or visit [Web] for specific availability information.