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. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Take this medicine the same way everyday. This means take it at the same time and take it consistently, either with or without food.

Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush or chew it.

If you cannot swallow the capsule whole:

  • Place the required number of capsules (up to 5 capsules) into a small container or oral syringe.
  • Add 3 milliliters (mL) of liquid (including water or apple juice) into the container or syringe. Wait 10 minutes for the capsule shell to dissolve. Stir or shake the mixture for 3 minutes until capsules are fully dissolved. Do not break or crush the capsules.
  • Drink the mixture or use an oral syringe to take directly by mouth.
  • Use a second syringe and add another 2 mL of liquid into the same container or syringe, then swirl or shake and drink the mixture. Repeat this step at least once until no mixture is left to make sure all of the medicine is taken.
  • If 6 capsules are required, use 3 capsules at a time.

If medicine is given through a feeding tube:

  • Place the required number of capsules (up to 5 capsules) into a syringe.
  • Add 3 milliliters (mL) of water into the syringe. Wait 10 minutes for the capsule shell to dissolve. Stir or shake the mixture for 3 minutes until capsules are fully dissolved. Do not break or crush the capsules.
  • Give the mixture through a feeding tube.
  • Cap the syringe and remove the plunger. Use a second syringe and add another 2 mL of water into the syringe. Swirl or shake and give the mixture in the feeding tube. Repeat this step at least once until no mixture is left to make sure all of the medicine is taken.
  • If 6 capsules are required, use 3 capsules at a time.

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):
    • For the treatment of advanced kidney cancer (used with everolimus):
      • Adults—18 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For the treatment of advanced kidney cancer (used with pembrolizumab):
      • Adults—20 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For the treatment of liver cancer:
      • Adults—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor.
        • Weighs 60 kilograms (kg) or more—12 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
        • Weighs less than 60 kg—8 mg once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For the treatment of thyroid cancer:
      • Adults—24 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For the treatment of advanced endometrial cancer (used with pembrolizumab):
      • Adults—20 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as 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.

If you miss a dose, and it is 12 hours or less from your regular schedule, take the dose as soon as you can. If you miss a dose, and it is more than 12 hours, skip the missed dose then go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

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

You may store the mixture in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Throw away mixture after 24 hours.

Portions of this document last updated: March 01, 2024

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