Vorinostat

Generic name: vorinostat [ vor-IN-o-stat ]
Brand name: Zolinza
Dosage form: oral capsule (100 mg)
Drug class: Histone deacetylase inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Dec 18, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is vorinostat?

Vorinostat is used to treat skin problems caused by cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

Vorinostat is usually given after other treatments did not work or have stopped working.

Vorinostat may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Vorinostat side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Vorinostat may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• dehydration symptoms--dizziness, drowsiness, feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, hot and dry skin;

• high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor;

• low platelets or red blood cells--pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red spots under your skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed, cold hands and feet;

• signs of a blood clot in the lung--chest pain, fast heartbeats, shortness of breath, sweating, coughing up blood; or

• signs of a blood clot in your leg--pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs.

Common side effects of vorinostat may include:

• nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;

• diarrhea, constipation;

• weight loss;

• swelling in your lower legs;

• dry mouth;

• fever, chills, headache, muscle pain;

• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, cough.

• dizziness, tiredness;

• itching, hair loss; or

• altered sense of taste.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• diabetes or high blood sugar;

• a blood clot;

• liver disease;

• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood); or

• any allergies.

Vorinostat can harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is using vorinostat.

• If you are a woman, do not use vorinostat if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose.

• If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose.

• Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using vorinostat.

Do not breast-feed while using this medicine, and for at least 1 week after your last dose.

How should I take vorinostat?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take with food. Drink at least 2 liters of water each day to keep from getting dehydrated.

Swallow the capsule whole and do not chew, break, or open it. The medicine inside the capsule can be dangerous if it gets in your eyes or on your skin. If this happens, wash your skin with soap and water or rinse your eyes with water, and then call your doctor.

Tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing the capsule whole.

Your blood sugar will need to be checked often, and you may need other blood tests.

Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, especially if you are diabetic and cannot eat or drink normally.

You may be given other medications to help prevent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Keep using these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Vorinostat dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma:

400 mg orally once a day; If a patient is intolerant to therapy, the dose may be reduced to 300 mg orally once daily; the dose may be further reduced to 300 mg once daily for 5 consecutive days each week if needed

-This drug should be taken with food.
-Swallow capsules whole; do not open or crush.
-Therapy may be continued as long as there is no evidence of progressive disease or unacceptable toxicity.

Use: For the treatment of cutaneous manifestations in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma who have progressive, persistent, or recurrent disease on or following 2 systemic therapies

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking vorinostat?

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather.

What other drugs will affect vorinostat?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• valproic acid; or

• a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect vorinostat, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2025 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 5.01.