Vandetanib tablets

About vandetanib

Vandetanib is a medicine which is given to help control the symptoms of medullary thyroid cancer. This is a rare type of cancer that can run in families. The cancer grows from cells in the thyroid gland which make a hormone called calcitonin.

In cancer, certain cells in the body grow and multiply in a way that is 'out of control'. Anti-cancer medicines slow down the way cancer cells grow and spread. Vandetanib belongs to a group of anti-cancer medicines known as protein kinase inhibitors. It works by preventing the cancer from developing blood vessels which it needs in order for it to grow. It may also block signals sent to cancer cells to make them grow.

Before taking vandetanib

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking vandetanib it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you have an infection or feel particularly unwell.

• If you have an unusual heart rhythm.

• If you have high blood pressure (hypertension).

• If you have any problems with the way your liver works or with the way your kidneys work.

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take vandetanib tablets

• Before you start the treatment, read any printed information you have been given by your doctor and the printed manufacturer's leaflet from inside the pack of tablets. These will give you more information about vandetanib and will provide a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Vandetanib will be prescribed for you by a specialist doctor who is experienced in treating your condition. It is usual to be prescribed one tablet of 300 mg to take every day, although it may be necessary to reduce the dose if you experience unwanted effects. The directions for taking the tablets will be printed on the label of the pack to remind you what your doctor has told you to do, but if you have any concerns or questions, you should contact your doctor or hospital clinic for further advice.

• You can take the tablet at whatever time of day you find easiest to remember, but try to take your doses at the same time of day, each day. This will help you to avoid missing any doses.

• You can take your doses before or after meals. Swallow the tablet with a drink of water. If you have problems swallowing, you can add the tablet to half a glass of plain drinking water, stirring it gently until it is dissolved. This may take about 10 minutes. Drink the mixture straightaway. Add some more water to your glass and then drink this too - this is to make sure you get the full dose of the medicine.

• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless you are more than 12 hours late. If you are more than 12 hours late, leave out the forgotten dose but remember to take your next tablet at the usual time. Do not take two tablets together to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• You must try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor or hospital. This is so your doctor can check on your progress. You will need to have regular check-ups during treatment. Changes in your heart rhythm can occur so your doctor will arrange for you to have regular electrocardiograms (ECGs) to monitor for this.

• You will be given a Patient Alert Card which will explain to you the risks of treatment with vandetanib. Keep this card and show it to anyone who is helping with your care.

• Vandetanib may cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than normal. Wear clothing that will protect the exposed areas of your skin and/or use a sun cream that protects against UVA light and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Do not use sunbeds.

• If you buy or take any other medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable to take alongside vandetanib. In particular, you should not take any preparations which contain St John's wort (a herbal remedy used for low moods), as it can reduce the effectiveness of vandetanib.

• It is important that you do not get pregnant while you are taking vandetanib (and for several months after the treatment has finished). If this could be a possibility for you, make sure you discuss with your doctor which types of contraception are suitable for you and your partner.

Can vandetanib cause problems?

There are a number of unwanted side-effects of treatment with vandetanib, some of which may be serious or severe in nature. Your doctor will discuss with you the possibility of these occurring and what you should do if you get them. The table below contains some of the most common side-effects. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet and the Patient Alert Card supplied with your tablets.

If you experience any other symptoms, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store vandetanib

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

• Please return any unused or unwanted tablets to your clinic or pharmacy to destroy.
  

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