Safety for ZOLINZA
 
Home
ZOLINZA® (vorinostat) capsules. Get the most from your treatment by learning more about ZOLINZA,
a CTCL medication.
Download and print the Zolinza Patient Brochure to learn more about treatment with ZOLINZA.
Merck
To report side effects, call 800-FDA-1088.
What is ZOLINZA?: Monitoring your health

This chart lists tests you may need during your treatment with ZOLINZA. Your doctor may decide to do other tests to check your health as needed.

Tests you will need during your treatment with ZOLINZA

Test
Why?
How Often?
Electrocardiogram
(ECG or EKG)
To see if there are any changes in your heartbeat that might need watching
Before starting ZOLINZA and periodically during treatment
Blood cell counts
To see if you are anemic (have too few red blood cells) or have a problem with blood clotting
Every 2 weeks for the first 2 months of treatment, then once a month
Blood sugar (glucose)/blood chemistries
To check the sugar and mineral levels in your blood
Every 2 weeks for the first 2 months of treatment, then once a month

If you have high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) or diabetes, continue to monitor your blood sugar as your doctor tells you to. Your doctor may need to change your diet or medicine to help control your blood sugar while you take ZOLINZA.

Next: Side effects »

Important information about ZOLINZA

ZOLINZA is a medicine used to treat a type of cancer called cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, also called CTCL. ZOLINZA is used in patients when the CTCL gets worse, does not go away, or comes back after treatment with other medicines.

  • If you are taking ZOLINZA and you experience sudden and painful leg swelling, possibly with increased warmth or change of skin color where the swelling is, contact your doctor immediately because these may be signs of a serious side effect.
  • To avoid dehydration, you should drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of liquids every day while taking ZOLINZA. Tell your doctor if you have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
  • Tell your doctor right away if you experience unusual bleeding or bruising under the skin (which could be caused by low platelets) or feel tired and are pale and short of breath (which could be caused by low red blood cells) because these may be signs of serious side effects.
  • If you have high blood sugar or diabetes, monitor your blood sugar frequently as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if your blood sugar is higher than normal because this may be a sign of a serious side effect.
  • Please read the Patient Information for ZOLINZA and discuss it with your doctor. The physician Prescribing Information also is included on this site.
  • You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
ZOLINZA is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc.
This site is intended for residents of the United States, its territories, and Puerto Rico.
20850619(7)-01/10-ZOL