Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving 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 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 patient information leaflet. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

It is best to take this medicine with food. Take the medicine at the same time each day.

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

If you are unable to swallow the tablet whole:

  • Place the tablet in a glass with 30 mL of non-carbonated water. Do not use any other liquid.
  • Stir the mixture until the tablet is dispersed into small pieces. Do not crush the tablet.
  • Swallow the mixture right away of within 1 hour of mixing. Do not chew the tablet.
  • Rinse the glass with another 30 mL of non-carbonated water and swallow the mixture until no pieces of tablet are left in the glass.

You may also give the medicine through a nasogastric tube:

  • Place the tablet in a glass with 30 mL of non-carbonated water. Do not use any other liquid.
  • Give the mixture right away into the feeding tube or within 1 hour.
  • Add 30 mL of non-carbonated water into the same glass and flush through the tube. Repeat this step to make sure that no pieces of tablet are left in the glass or syringe.

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 non-small cell lung cancer:
      • Adults—450 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
      • 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.

If you miss a dose and it is less than 8 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.

Portions of this document last updated: March 01, 2024

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