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Vorinostat Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 26, 2022.

Summary

Commonly reported side effects of vorinostat include: anemia, diarrhea, nausea, thrombocytopenia, and vomiting. Other side effects include: pulmonary embolism. Continue reading for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.

Applies to vorinostat: oral capsule.

Serious side effects of Vorinostat

Along with its needed effects, vorinostat may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking vorinostat:

More common

  • Anxiety
  • black, tarry stools
  • bleeding gums
  • bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
  • blood in the urine or stools
  • body aches or pain
  • chest pain
  • chills
  • confusion
  • cough
  • decreased urine
  • diarrhea
  • dizziness or lightheadedness
  • dry mouth
  • ear congestion
  • fainting
  • fast or irregular heartbeat
  • fever
  • headache
  • increased thirst
  • large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
  • loss of appetite
  • loss of voice
  • lower back or side pain
  • mood changes
  • muscle pain or cramps
  • nasal congestion
  • nausea
  • no blood pressure
  • no breathing
  • no pulse
  • numbness or tingling in the face, lips, arms, hands, feet, or legs
  • pain, redness, or swelling in the arm or leg
  • painful or difficult urination
  • pale skin
  • pinpoint red spots on the skin
  • rapid weight gain
  • runny nose
  • seizures
  • sore throat
  • sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
  • swollen glands
  • trouble speaking, thinking, or walking
  • troubled breathing
  • troubled breathing with exertion
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness
  • vomiting

Less common

  • Persistent non-healing sore
  • pink growth
  • reddish patch or irritated area
  • shiny bump
  • white, yellow, or waxy scar-like area

Rare

  • Chest discomfort
  • general feeling of illness
  • hoarseness
  • indigestion
  • pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck
  • rapid, shallow breathing
  • severe nausea or vomiting
  • sneezing
  • stomach pain
  • sweating
  • tightness in the chest
  • vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
  • yellow skin and eyes

Other side effects of Vorinostat

Some side effects of vorinostat may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

  • Change in taste
  • cracks in the skin
  • difficulty having a bowel movement
  • hair loss or thinning of the hair
  • itching skin
  • lack or loss of strength
  • loss of heat from the body
  • loss of taste
  • muscle spasm
  • red, swollen skin
  • scaly skin

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to vorinostat: oral capsule.

Gastrointestinal

Very common (10% or more): Diarrhea (45%), nausea (37%), dry mouth (16%), vomiting (12%), constipation (11%)[Ref]

Hematologic

Very common (10% or more): Thrombocytopenia (26%), anemia (13%)

Frequency not reported: Thromboembolism, deep vein thrombosis[Ref]

Dermatologic

Very common (10% or more): Alopecia (16%), pruritus (12%)[Ref]

Nervous system

Very common (10% or more): Dysgeusia (23%), chills (11%), headache (10%)[Ref]

Respiratory

Very common (10% or more): Cough (11%), upper respiratory infection (11%)

Common (1% to 10%): Pulmonary embolism[Ref]

Other

Very common (10% or more): Fatigue (45%), pyrexia (11%)[Ref]

Metabolic

Very common (10% or more): Anorexia (23%), weight loss (20%), muscle spasms (15%), blood creatinine increased (12%), peripheral edema (13%)

Common (1% to 10%): Hyperglycemia[Ref]

References

1. "Product Information. Zolinza (vorinostat)." Merck & Co., Inc (2006):

Further information

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

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

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