Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before using this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

This medicine comes with a patient information insert. It is very important that you read and understand this information. Be sure to ask your doctor about anything you do not understand.

Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

Take this medicine at the same time each day with a low-fat meal (less than 30% fat).

Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine. Grapefruit products may increase the amount of medicine in your body.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage form (tablets):
    • For hepatocellular cancer (HCC):
      • Adults—160 milligrams (mg) (four 40 mg tablets) once a day for 21 days of each 28-day cycle. Your doctor may adjust the dose if needed.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For metastatic cancer of the colon or rectum:
      • Adults—160 milligrams (mg) (four 40 mg tablets) once a day for 21 days of each 28-day cycle. Your doctor may adjust the dose if needed.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST):
      • Adults—160 milligrams (mg) (four 40 mg tablets) once a day for 21 days of each 28-day cycle. Your doctor may adjust the dose if needed.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store the medicine in its original container. Do not place the tablets in daily or weekly pill boxes.

Throw away any unused tablets 7 weeks after opening the bottle for the first time.

Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

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