Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine exactly 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 Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, chew, or split it. You may take this medicine with or without food.

If you are not able to swallow the capsule whole. You may use the oral pellets. Do not chew or crush it, or swallow the shell containing the oral pellets.

To use the oral pellets: Open the shell and empty the contents directly into the mouth. You may also empty the pellets into a medicine cup or dry spoon and then pour them into the mouth. Drink enough water to make sure all oral pellets are swallowed.

You may also receive medicines to help prevent or treat diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. Drink plenty of fluids to help prevent dehydration.

Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may change the amount of medicine that is absorbed in the 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 (capsules or pellets):
    • For non-small cell lung cancer:
      • Adults—250 milligrams (mg) 2 times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma:
      • Adults and children 1 year of age and older—Dose is based on body surface area (BSA) and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 280 milligrams per square meter (mg/m[2]) of BSA, taken 2 times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
        • BSA 1.70 meter squared (m2) or more—500 mg 2 times a day.
        • BSA 1.52 to 1.69 m2—450 mg 2 times a day.
        • BSA 1.34 to 1.51 m2—400 mg 2 times a day.
        • BSA 1.17 to 1.33 m2—350 mg 2 times a day.
        • BSA 0.98 to 1.16 m2—300 mg 2 times a day.
        • BSA 0.81 to 0.97 m2—250 mg 2 times a day.
        • BSA 0.62 to 0.80 m2—200 mg 2 times a day.
        • BSA 0.52 to 0.61 m2—150 mg 2 times a day.
        • BSA 0.47 to 0.51 m2—140 mg 2 times a day.
        • BSA 0.38 to 0.46 m2—120 mg 2 times a day.
      • Children younger than 1 year of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor:
      • Adults—250 milligrams (mg) 2 times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
      • Children 1 year of age and older—Dose is based on body surface area (BSA) and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 280 milligrams per square meter (mg/m[2]) of BSA, taken 2 times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
        • BSA 1.70 meter squared (m2) or more—500 mg 2 times a day.
        • BSA 1.52 to 1.69 m2—450 mg 2 times a day.
        • BSA 1.34 to 1.51 m2—400 mg 2 times a day.
        • BSA 1.17 to 1.33 m2—350 mg 2 times a day.
        • BSA 0.98 to 1.16 m2—300 mg 2 times a day.
        • BSA 0.81 to 0.97 m2—250 mg 2 times a day.
        • BSA 0.62 to 0.80 m2—200 mg 2 times a day.
        • BSA 0.52 to 0.61 m2—150 mg 2 times a day.
        • BSA 0.47 to 0.51 m2—140 mg 2 times a day.
        • BSA 0.38 to 0.46 m2—120 mg 2 times a day.
      • Children younger than 1 year of age—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.

If you miss a dose and it is less than 6 hours until your next regular dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.

If you vomit after taking a dose, do not take an extra dose. Take the next dose at the regular time.

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.